URGENT UPDATE: Barton Community College has been officially named one of the top 200 institutions eligible for the highly prestigious $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. This recognition, announced by the Aspen Institute, highlights the college’s commitment to exceptional student outcomes and positions it for a chance to compete for the nation’s foremost accolade in community college education.
The Aspen Prize, now in its ninth cycle, evaluates colleges based on critical metrics such as retention, completion, transfer rates, and bachelor’s attainment. With nearly six million students enrolled in community colleges across the United States, the need for improved graduation outcomes is more urgent than ever.
Barton Community College President Dr. Marcus Garstecki expressed immense pride in this achievement. “It is an incredible honor for us to be recognized among the nation’s top community colleges eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize,” he stated. “This distinction reflects our unwavering dedication to student success and completion.”
“Aspen Prize winners offer a powerful message: Community colleges can deliver the kind of life-changing education that makes the American Dream real,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program.
The selection of these 200 colleges underscores the diversity across the community college sector, serving students in urban, rural, and suburban areas. They range in size from a few hundred to tens of thousands of enrolled students, some focusing primarily on workforce readiness while others emphasize transfer pathways.
As part of the application process, these colleges will undergo a rigorous review over the next 20 months, assessing their effectiveness in improving student outcomes. This includes an evaluation of employment rates and wages post-graduation, as well as any innovative practices they have implemented to enhance their educational offerings.
Notably, the Aspen Prize aims to highlight institutions that not only achieve but also improve outcomes for their students. “Our job over the coming 20 months is to gather a lot more data and work with a deep bench of field experts,” Wyner added, emphasizing the importance of sharing successful strategies to benefit other colleges.
This recognition is more than just an accolade; it represents hope for students striving to achieve their educational and career goals in a challenging landscape. As Barton Community College progresses through the application process, it remains committed to fostering an environment where student success is paramount.
For further details on the Aspen Prize selection process, visit as.pn/prize.
