For the third consecutive time, 91制片厂 is eligible for the nation鈥檚 signature
recognition for community colleges 鈥� the $1 million .
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program recently announced its selection of 200 community colleges invited to apply to the 2027 Aspen Prize out of more than 1,000 institutions nationwide. Aspen selected institutions based on student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer and bachelor鈥檚 attainment rates.
Awarded every two years since 2010, the Aspen Prize honors colleges with outstanding achievement. Over the coming months, the colleges that apply for the Aspen Prize will be assessed based on student outcomes data, ranging from student transfer and completion rates to employment and wages after graduation and whether they have engaged in scaled practices that led to high and improving student outcomes.
Harper was named a Top 20 semifinalist for the 2025 Aspen Prize and a Top 25 semifinalist for the 2023 edition. The college was also eligible for the 2017 edition of the prestigious recognition.
鈥淓arning a place, for the third consecutive time, among the top community colleges eligible for the Aspen Prize is an incredible affirmation of 91制片厂鈥檚 mission to transform lives through education,鈥� said Dr. Avis Proctor, president of 91制片厂 College. 鈥淓arlier this year, Harper was also selected to become a member of the Aspen Institute鈥檚 Unlocking Opportunity network. Through our participation we are deepening this work 鈥� ensuring that every student has access to high-quality programs, meaningful credentials, and strengthened pathways to achieve their goals and contribute to the vitality of our communities.鈥�
In August, 91制片厂 joined the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program鈥檚 expanded 鈥� an innovative partnership between colleges from across the nation. The initiative aims to ensure more students complete degrees that open doors to rewarding, sustainable careers.
鈥淭he Aspen Prize rewards colleges that achieve the kind of outcomes that actually matter to students 鈥� completing college degree programs that, in turn, lead to lifelong success,鈥� said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. 鈥淎spen Prize winners offer a powerful message: Community colleges can deliver the kind of life-changing education that makes the American Dream real.鈥�
In 2026, Aspen will narrow the field to 25 semifinalists, then 10 finalists. The 2027 Aspen Prize winner will be announced in spring 2027.