Midland College Chap Success Center Earns International Tutor Training Program CertificationJuly 14, 2026

Midland College is proud to announce that the Chap Success Center has been awarded Level 1 certification through the College Reading & Learning Association's (CRLA) International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC), an internationally recognized credential that signifies excellence in tutor training and academic support.

For more than 30 years, CRLA has been a leader in learning assistance, reading, and academic support programs. With nearly 1,300 members and more than 2,000 certified training programs worldwide, CRLA certification is considered a benchmark of quality for tutoring programs in higher education.

The Chap Success Center provides free tutoring and success coaching services to all Midland College students, including Dual Credit, GED, and ESL students. Through one-on-one tutoring, group study support, and academic coaching, the Center helps students strengthen course knowledge, improve study habits, and build confidence in their academic abilities.

The certification comes at a time of significant growth and transformation for the Chap Success Center, which recently evolved from Academic Support Services into a more comprehensive, student-centered hub for learning and academic success. During the 2025–2026 academic year, the Center served students through more than 21,000 academic support interactions, welcomed nearly 16,000 student visits across the Chap Success Center and Math Lab, and provided more than 11,000 tutoring experiences, including specialized Math Lab instruction.

Staff also conducted more than 1,100 Academic Success Coaching meetings to help students develop effective learning strategies and achieve their academic goals. To expand access and engagement, the Center offered 935 online tutoring sessions and connected with students through more than 3,300 workshop and campus event interactions.

To earn certification, the Chap Success Center successfully completed CRLA's rigorous peer review process and demonstrated compliance with national standards for tutor selection, training, direct service, and evaluation. The certification recognizes Midland College's commitment to providing high-quality academic support and equipping tutors with the skills needed to help students succeed.

"Receiving CRLA certification is an exciting milestone for Midland College and reflects our commitment to providing students with exceptional academic support," said Cody Vasquez, Director of Academic Engagement. "This recognition validates the intentional work our team has invested in developing a tutoring program grounded in nationally recognized best practices and centered on student success. At Midland College, we believe tutoring is about building confidence, strengthening learning, and empowering students to achieve their academic goals."

The certification process was led by the Chap Success Center team, including Moriah Wyche, Associate Director of Academic Engagement, who is CRLA-certified through Eastern New Mexico University and will lead a majority of the Center's tutor training efforts moving forward.

"CRLA certification for our tutors will benefit MC's tutors and students alike," said Stacy Egan, English Faculty Liaison for the Chap Success Center. "By providing tutors with access to ongoing professional development, tutors stay up to date with best practices and continue to grow and develop their skill sets. Now, more than ever, students need places they can be sure the help they are accessing is trustworthy and accurate. Faculty can feel confident that our tutors give students connection and belonging on campus while being specially trained with Midland College faculty goals in mind."

For student tutors, the certification program provides valuable professional development and equips them with proven strategies for supporting their peers.

"Although I've been steadily improving on my own as a tutor, gaining CRLA certification has helped me assist MC students with structured, effective tutoring strategies," said Luther Mbakwa, mathematics peer tutor. "The training emphasized the importance of setting goals, evaluating student needs, and creating opportunities for students to take ownership of their learning. It has given me the confidence to lead tutoring sessions and facilitate learning in a way that helps students succeed."

Since 1989, more than 1,000 college tutor training programs worldwide have received ITTPC certification at one or more levels. Certification recognizes successful tutor training programs, establishes professional standards for tutors and peer educators, and enhances the credibility of academic support services across higher education institutions.

"This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication of our peer and professional tutors who work every day to create a supportive learning environment," Vasquez said. "We are proud of what this certification represents and look forward to continuing to grow and enhance the services we provide to our students."

As Midland College continues to prioritize student success, the Chap Success Center remains a vital resource for learners at every stage of their academic journey. Through tutoring, success coaching, workshops, and other academic support services, the Center helps thousands of students each year build confidence, overcome challenges, and achieve their educational goals. The new CRLA certification reinforces Midland College's commitment to providing high-quality, student-centered support that empowers students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.