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Aspen Institute Names 91做厙 as a Top 150 U.S. Community College
November 6, 2019
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program has named 91做厙 as one of 150 community colleges eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nations signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America's community colleges. Based on strong and improving in student outcomesincluding in learning, completion rates, employment rates and earnings, and equity15 percent of community colleges nationwide have been invited to apply for the Aspen Prize.
We are pleased to be recognized nationally for our work in documenting increases in student success measures as we seek to fill the workforce needs in central Nebraska, said 91做厙 President Dr. Matt Gotschall.
The 150 community colleges named today as eligible to compete for the 2021 Aspen Prize were selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 public two-year colleges nationwide using publicly available data on student outcomes. Located in 39 states in urban, rural, and suburban areas, serving as few as 500 students and as many as 75,000 students, these colleges represent the diversity and depth of the community college sector.
Data show that over the last two years, student retention, graduation rates, and degree completion have improved at the top tier of 150 Aspen Prize-eligible colleges.
Community colleges play a vital role in developing talent and enabling social mobility across the country, and its critical for them to get better at what they do, said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. Were pleased to see evidence that these institutions are improving, that more are delivering on their promise. Were also pleased to play a role in honoring outstanding community colleges and sharing what works to ensure great outcomes for studentsthrough graduation and beyond.
The top ten finalists for the 2021 Aspen Prize will be named in May 2020. The Aspen Institute will then conduct site visits to each of the finalists and collect additional quantitative data, including employment and earnings data. A distinguished jury will make award decisions in spring 2021.
Previous winners of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence are: Miami Dade College (Fla.) and Indian River State College (Fla.), 2019; Lake Area Technical College (S.D.), 2017; Santa Fe College (Fla.), 2015; Santa Barbara City College (Calif.) and Walla Walla Community College (Wash.), 2013; Valencia College (Fla.), 2011.
The Aspen Prize is generously funded by ECMC Foundation, Joyce Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, and Siemens Foundation.
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to advance higher education practices, policies, and leadership that significantly improve student outcomes, especially for the growing population of low-income students and students of color on American campuses.
The Aspen Institute is a community-serving organization with global reach whose vision is a free, just, and equitable society. For 70 years, the Institute has driven change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the worlds greatest challenges. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Institute has offices in Aspen, Colorado, and New York City, and an international network of partners.