SPSCC named among top 25 community colleges in the nation
South Puget Sound Community College made a list of 25 semifinalists competing for a nationwide top community college prize.
The Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence awards $1 million to select community colleges recognized for outstanding achievement. The Aspen Institute increased the number semifinalists from 10 to 25 this year to highlight more well-performing colleges.
In a news release, SPSCC president Timothy Stokes called the recognition a tremendous honor.
“Our staff and faculty have been doing incredible work to build systems that support both student access and success while tackling system barriers every day so that our students can get in, stay in and complete their education,” Stokes said. “This is truly a testament to the value of that work.”
The Aspen Institute decides a top winner and several finalists every two years. Winners will be announced in 2023.
Colleges are evaluated in five areas: teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce success, and equity for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.
In 2021, San Antonio College in Texas won the top prize and a $600,000 award, according to the institute. The remaining $400,000 was divided equally among three finalists with distinction and one rising star.
Notably, Pierce College made the list of 10 semifinalists in 2021 and their Steilacoom location earned a rising star award in 2019.
The Aspen Institute is a 73-year-old organization that aims to create a free, just and equitable society.
This story was originally published April 27, 2022 at 12:06 PM.
