When Emily Mujica walked across the stage at Mason City High School in 2007, she wasn’t entirely sure where her path would lead. Like many graduates, she decided to start her college journey close to home — and that decision set the stage for a career built on passion, purpose and the power of education.

Finding Her Path at 51ÁÔÆæ

Emily chose to attend 51ÁÔÆæ to complete her general education requirements while exploring her interests. “When I first graduated high school, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to major in,” she recalls. “51ÁÔÆæ turned out to be the perfect choice.”

Beyond the classroom, 51ÁÔÆæ gave Emily the opportunity to continue her love for running by joining the cross country and track teams. The supportive campus community also felt like home — her family had positive experiences there, and she quickly found herself thriving in the close-knit environment. “What I really loved about 51ÁÔÆæ was the intimate learning environment,” Emily says.

Lessons That Last a Lifetime

During her time at 51ÁÔÆæ (2007–2009), several instructors left a lasting impression. Keith Jaben, a familiar face from high school, helped ease her transition to college. Paul Peterson sparked a passion for writing, leading Emily to join the LOGOS team. And math instructor Chris Brandt, who had also taught her in high school, demonstrated patience and encouragement that helped Emily overcome academic challenges.

From Student to Teacher

After graduating from 51ÁÔÆæ in 2010, Emily transferred to Iowa State University, where she earned a B.S. in Child, Adult and Family Services. She began her career as a District Executive with the Boy Scouts of America but soon discovered that her true calling was in education.

She went on to earn a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa and later a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Trauma and Resilience from Concordia University.

Since 2018, Emily has been teaching kindergarten for Lincoln, Nebraska Public Schools — a role she describes as deeply fulfilling. “Teaching wasn’t my original career path, but I came to realize it was my calling,” she explains. “As someone who struggled with school due to a learning disability, I know how important it is for a child to feel confident in their learning. That’s why I became a teacher — to help students succeed and ensure they feel empowered in the classroom.”

Building Strong Foundations

For Emily, one of the greatest joys of her job is being a child’s first teacher. “It’s such a special role to welcome kids into the world of education,” she says. “I work alongside families to make sure our classroom is a safe, caring, and joyful place to be.”

Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. Emily was nominated by her administrators for the 2023 Inspire Award and named the 2024 Thank You Teacher of the Year — an honor that holds special meaning because it came from a family. “To me, the profound connection with students and families is the highest form of recognition, and it was an honor to receive the award from the Governor of Nebraska.”

The post Building Bright Beginnings: Teacher’s Journey Starts at 51ÁÔÆæ appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

51ÁÔÆæ Named One of 25 Community Colleges Advancing in National Prize Recognizing Excellent Student Outcomes

Mason City, IA – Today, the Aspen Institute (Aspen) named 51ÁÔÆæ as one of 25 semifinalists for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Rooted in deep research and backed by $1 million in award money, the Aspen Prize is the nation’s signature recognition of community colleges that deliver value for their students.

“We’re honored to be named an Aspen Prize semifinalist,” said Joel Pedersen, 51ÁÔÆæ President. “This recognition highlights the outcomes that matter most – student learning, completion, and success after graduation. Our focus is on making sure students leave prepared for what comes next, whether that’s a career or continued education. I’m proud of the work happening across our college and the difference it’s making for our students and communities.”

The 25 semifinalists—which come from 20 states—were selected from nearly 1,000 institutions nationwide based on their outcomes data and collegewide practices aligned to achieving high and improving levels of student success. Aspen defines student success as achievement in learning and completion of a college credential, and by post-college success in the form of a good job or successful transfer and bachelor’s degree attainment. 

“We start every cycle of the Aspen Prize with a simple question: Which community colleges are best at not just helping students graduate, but ensuring that what they learn and the credentials they earn actually help them meet their goals and have a better life?” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “In over 15 years of awarding the Aspen Prize, we have learned a lot about how top colleges ensure that more students obtain credentials that lead directly to good jobs or successful attainment of a bachelor’s degree through transfer. We congratulate the semifinalists for their strong and improving student outcomes and for prioritizing improvements in student success both during and after college.”

The Aspen Prize is awarded every two years and recognizes excellence across a wide range of institutions, from Florida’s large, multi-campus Valencia College in 2011 to rural Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in 2025. With each cycle, Aspen deepens its understanding of what value looks like. The top colleges—no matter their size or location—ensure students complete programs with strong regional labor market value and clear transfer pathways that lead to bachelor’s degrees. 

The complete list of semifinalists can be accessed at . 

The Aspen Prize selection process began in October 2025, when Aspen identified 200 community colleges based on data demonstrating strong and improving student outcomes in key areas—including learning, completion, transfer leading to bachelor’s attainment, and workforce success—and invited them to apply. From there, 170 colleges submitted applications, which were reviewed by a selection committee of 15 higher education experts who evaluated each submission using both extensive data and narrative responses. Aspen then interviewed the leadership teams from colleges receiving top scores, and 25 semifinalists were selected. 

In the coming weeks, the 15-member panel of experts will continue its review and narrow the field to 10 finalists, which will be announced in June. In fall 2026, teams of experts will conduct in-depth site visits to those 10 finalist colleges and review extensive data, including actual wage data for graduates. The Aspen Prize winner will be announced in April 2027. 

To read more about the selection process, visit .

For community colleges that want to benchmark their outcomes against the Aspen Prize top 200 colleges or custom peer groups, Aspen provides a free-to-use benchmarking tool with all the metrics used to compare 1,000 community colleges at the outset of the selection process, including newly available data from the National Student Clearinghouse. Learn more and access the tool at .

####

The Aspen Prize is generously funded by the Ascendium Education Group and the Joyce Foundation. 

Previous winners are:

• 2025: Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (WI)
• 2023: Amarillo College (TX) and Imperial Valley College (CA)
• 2021: San Antonio College (TX)
• 2019: Indian River State College (FL) and Miami Dade College (FL)
• 2017: Lake Area Technical Institute (SD)
• 2015: Santa Fe College (FL)
• 2013: Santa Barbara City College (CA) and Walla Walla Community College (WA)
• 2011: Valencia College (FL)

Note: Colleges that have won the Aspen Prize are not eligible to apply in subsequent years

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to strengthen higher education leadership and practice to improve student outcomes—with the ultimate goal of advancing economic mobility and developing talent for the good of each individual and society as a whole. For more information, visit .

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit .

CONTACT:

51ÁÔÆæ: Valerie Zahorski-Schmidt, (641)422- 4435, zahorval@niacc.edu

Aspen Institute: Kristin O’Keefe, (240) 351-8531, kristin.okeefe@aspeninstitute.org 

# # #

Ref # 7140

The mission of 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) is to enrich lives through comprehensive educational opportunities, a commitment to learner success, community engagement, and leadership. Founded in 1918, 51ÁÔÆæ is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa, serving approximately 3,000 career and transfer students each year. Recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the nation’s leading community colleges, 51ÁÔÆæ is where futures are found. Start your journey today at /apply-mkt/. Future, Found.

The post The Aspen Institute Names 51ÁÔÆæ as a Semifinalist for $1 Million Aspen Prize appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

How learning paved the path to leadership

The sound of sirens, the flash of red lights and the pressure of split-second decisions — for Aaron Beemer, it’s all part of a day’s work. As Deputy Chief of Operations for the Mason City Fire Department, Beemer leads with calm confidence, guiding crews through emergencies, and ensuring the safety of the community he’s proud to serve.

After joining the MCFD, Beemer came to 51ÁÔÆæ looking to broaden his knowledge in firefighting and incident command.

Finding His Future at 51ÁÔÆæ

Beemer’s path to public service began in the early 2000s, when he first enrolled in 51ÁÔÆæ in 2001 after his service in the Army. Drawn to a career where he could serve others and work as part of a close knit team, he immersed himself in his coursework and hands-on training. “51ÁÔÆæ helped me hone my writing and
speaking skills and helped teach me the value of diligent study.”

Climbing the Ranks Through Dedication

Beemer joined the Mason City Fire Department in 2000, quickly distinguishing himself as a hardworking and dependable firefighter. Over the next two decades, he steadily rose through the ranks, serving as a firefighter/EMT, then as lieutenant, and later captain while earning the respect of his peers and community along the way.

In 2018, Beemer reached a major career milestone when he was promoted to Deputy Chief of Operations. In this leadership role, he oversees day-to-day emergency response, coordinates training and preparedness, and ensures the department’s operations run efficiently and effectively.

It’s a position that demands strategic thinking, calm under pressure, and a deep understanding of
both people and process — qualities Beemer has cultivated throughout his career.

A Commitment to Community

While his responsibilities have grown, Beemer’s focus has never wavered: protecting the people of Mason City. He takes pride in leading a team dedicated to saving lives, educating the public, and improving safety for all residents.

“ It is a very difficult, stressful, all consuming career that relatively few are capable of handling. It will contain some of your lowest days, and some of the best days of your life.”

The post Answering the Call: 51ÁÔÆæ Alum Helps Lead Mason City Fire Department appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

For most high school students, the question isn’t if they want to build a successful future – it’s how to get started.

Now, students across the region have a new answer.

Registration is officially open for the 51ÁÔÆæ Career Center – Franklin County, giving high school students the opportunity to earn college credentials while completing their high school diploma, at no cost to families.

Beginning Fall 2026, students can pursue hands-on training in:

• Health Careers, including CNA certification
• Construction
• Welding

The Career Center is designed for students who thrive in active, applied learning environments. During this first year, seniors may complete a one-year certificate, while juniors will begin the two-year pathway.

In future years, the expectation is that students will start as juniors and complete the full two-year program, earning a diploma and industry-recognized credentials before high school graduation. This approach ensures students graduate with meaningful, workforce-ready skills and a strong head start on their future.

For families, that can mean a savings of up to $10,000 and a clearer path forward after graduation.

Valeria Gonzalez, Director of the 51ÁÔÆæ Career Center – Franklin County, says the opportunity is about more than coursework.

“Families in our area want their students to have real options,” Gonzalez said. “This center gives students confidence, direction, and practical skills they can use right away. It strengthens our workforce and supports our communities at the same time. I’m excited to see the doors this will open for our students.”

Students can register through their high school counselors or talk to their 51ÁÔÆæ College & Career Transition Counselor (CCTC) for more information. Families are encouraged to start conversations early, as program capacity may be limited.

To learn more, visit niacc.edu/franklin-cc

The post Registration Opens for 51ÁÔÆæ Career Center – Franklin County appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

When Bailey Martin graduated from 51ÁÔÆæ with her Associate’s Degree in Nursing in 2024, she knew she was stepping into a career defined by compassion, resilience and continuous learning.

Today, as a Registered Nurse at Floyd County Medical Center (FCMC) in Charles City, Iowa, Martin is living that reality—making a difference every day on both the Medical- Surgical Unit and in the Emergency
Department.

A Career Built on Choice and Community

Martin’s path to nursing began long before graduation day. A Mason City native, she started taking 51ÁÔÆæ classes in high school—both in-person and online—drawn by the college’s flexibility, welcoming environment and generous scholarship opportunities, including the Last Dollar Scholarship.

“The nursing program at any college can be intimidating and overwhelming,” Martin said. One lesson that stuck with her came during the notoriously difficult third semester of nursing school, when coursework focuses on cardiac and psychiatric care. “Mrs. Seibert reminded us often that we had choices, we could either choose to utilize the materials provided and utilize our time to study hard for success on the exams and in the clinical setting, or we could choose to do other things that may result in a poor grade or poor performance.”

From Behavioral Health to Emergency Medicine

After earning her degree, Martin accepted her first nursing position at Avera Behavioral Health Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. There, she worked with patients facing a range of psychiatric diagnoses—a challenging and rewarding start to her career.

Eventually, the pull of home brought her back to North Iowa, where she accepted a position at FCMC. The hospital has supported her professional growth by sponsoring her Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Trauma Nursing Core Course certifications—crucial qualifications for
emergency nursing.

“FCMC has so many opportunities for career growth,” Martin said. “Many of our staff are cross-trained to work in multiple departments, including the Medical-Surgical Unit, Emergency Department and Birthing Center.”

Finding Purpose in Rural Care

Working in a critical access hospital has given Martin the chance to serve patients across the lifespan and for a variety of reasons—from emergencies to routine care.

“Providing care to members of the community at FCMC has been a rewarding experience,” she said. “I enjoy building rapport with my patients and their families to make their experience at the hospital the best it can be.”

That sense of community extends to her colleagues as well. “We work very well together and are always willing to help each other,” Martin added. “I’m never afraid to ask a question or seek support.”

Her advice to current and future nursing students is simple: “Never stop asking questions and never stop learning. We can always learn something from someone.”

Looking Ahead

Balancing a demanding weekend night shift schedule with time for family and ongoing education, Bailey Martin exemplifies what it means to be a lifelong learner and dedicated caregiver.

Her journey from 51ÁÔÆæ classroom to emergency care nurse shows just how far a solid foundation—and a few good choices—can take you.

The post 51ÁÔÆæ Nursing Alum Finds Her Calling in Rural Healthcare appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

How 51ÁÔÆæ Shaped Energy Leader Zak Joundi

When Zakaria “Zak” Joundi ’03 left Morocco for Mason City, Iowa, he was just 17 years old, speaking four languages but still learning English. What he found at 51ÁÔÆæ was more than an education – it was a foundation that propelled him to the top of the energy industry.

A New Beginning in Iowa

Zak arrived at 51ÁÔÆæ in August 2001, only weeks before the events of 9/11. As a Muslim teenager far from home, he might have expected uncertainty. Instead, he found compassion.

“Churches and synagogues reached out to the small Muslim community. The support was incredible. The people are my favorite part of 51ÁÔÆæ.”

That spirit of care extended to campus. His first work-study job, under the guidance of Sally Becker, taught him not just responsibility but empathy. “Sally was, and still is, like family. That first job meant everything.”

A New Beginning in Iowa

Zak arrived at 51ÁÔÆæ in August 2001, only weeks before the events of 9/11. As a Muslim teenager far from home, he might have expected uncertainty. Instead, he found compassion.

“Churches and synagogues reached out to the small Muslim community. The support was incredible. The people are my favorite part of 51ÁÔÆæ.” That spirit of care extended to campus. His first work-study job, under the guidance of Sally Becker, taught him not just responsibility but empathy.

The Road to Leadership

Zak earned his Associate Degree in Pre-Engineering at 51ÁÔÆæ, then transferred to Iowa State, graduating in 2005 with a degree in electrical engineering. He later completed an MBA in Finance at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.

That academic foundation fueled his rise in the energy industry. Zak built his career at MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator), the nonprofit that manages the electric grid and market operations for 45 million people across 15 states and parts of Canada.

Today, as Executive Director of Market Grid Strategy, Zak leads the Market Design function, shaping how energy is delivered now and into the future. His work involves high-level collaboration with industry experts, commissioners, and stakeholders to ensure reliable, affordable, and forward-looking energy systems.

A Leader with Impact

Zak is widely respected for his ability to balance technical expertise with people-first leadership. He’s not driven by titles or money – his focus is on the success of his team and the broader mission of building a reliable energy future.

His leadership touches millions of lives, including those right here in Iowa, where energy reliability and economic growth depend on the systems his team helps design.

Staying Grounded

Despite his success, Zak remains humble – and grateful. He credits 51ÁÔÆæ for giving him confidence, support, and a sense of belonging at a pivotal time.

“People here have good values and genuine curiosity. That amazed me – and made me want to stay.”

From Morocco to Mason City to the highest levels of the energy industry, Zak’s journey reflects resilience, gratitude, and the power of a community college start.

The post From Morocco to the Midwest appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Ben McCollum’s Journey from 51ÁÔÆæ to the Big Ten

Ben McCollum ‘2001 has always been in motion. As a student-athlete at 51ÁÔÆæ from 1999-2001, Coach Steve Krafcisin remembers him constantly attacking the basket.

Years later, while McCollum was coaching at Drake, Krafcisin spotted him jogging outside before a game.

“All coaches are a little quirky,” Krafcisin laughed. “Ben’s way was running.” That energy defines him still. Even now, as the new head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes, McCollum prefers to talk while running through Iowa City.

“I think best on runs.”

From 51ÁÔÆæ to the National Stage

After 51ÁÔÆæ, McCollum transferred to Northwest Missouri State, where he helped the Bearcats reach the Division II Elite Eight. He returned years later as head coach and built a dynasty:

• 4 NCAA Division II national championships (2017, 2019, 2021,2022)
• 5 National Coach of the Year awards (the most in Division II history)
• 395–91 record over 15 seasons

In 2024, he took over at Drake. His Bulldogs went 31-4, swept the MVC titles, and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He was named Missouri Valley Coach of the Year.

Then Iowa called.

Lessons from 51ÁÔÆæ

At 51ÁÔÆæ, McCollum scored 692 career points, hit 115 three-pointers, and earned two all-region honors. But he says the experience went far beyond basketball.

“At a community college, you learn how to interact with everyone. I learned a lot from that experience.”

It’s also where he began forming his coaching philosophy: “Just try to be great each day. Get a little better today, tomorrow, and the next day. “The results will take care of themselves.”

Coaching in the Big Ten

At Iowa, McCollum emphasizes two constants: effort and toughness. “You can’t just be tough – it’s like a muscle. You have to work on it every day.”

His goals aren’t built on win totals, but on daily improvement. The results, he insists, will follow.

Coming Full Circle

From Storm Lake to 51ÁÔÆæ to Carver- Hawkeye Arena, McCollum’s journey has been improbable and inspiring. “When you say it out loud, it’s a pretty wild progression. But my family always believed in me. That belief carried me through.”

Coach Krafcisin couldn’t be prouder.

“To be at Iowa – it’s hard to believe. I tell people all the time, ‘That Ben McCollum played for me at 51ÁÔÆæ.’ It’s pretty neat.”

Advice for Today’s Trojans

As 51ÁÔÆæ student-athletes start another season, McCollum’s advice is simple: “Find opportunities to give to the place you’re at. My intent was always to make a place better. If you keep that first, you’ll find joy.”

And yes – the tie tradition remains. At Drake, it was blue. At Iowa, it will be gold.

The post ALWAYS ON THE GO appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Are you thinking about starting college but dreading the process? Maybe you’ve been meaning to apply but keep putting it off because you aren’t sure where to start. We get it—between the application, the financial aid forms, and choosing classes, the process can feel overwhelming.

That’s why 51ÁÔÆæ is making it easier than ever to get started.

Mark your calendars for Monday, December 15, 2025. We are hosting an Instant Enrollment Day from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and you are invited!

Why Should You Attend?

Think of this as your “One-Stop Shop” for college. Instead of making multiple trips to campus or playing phone tag with different departments, you can walk in with a goal and walk out with a schedule. Whether you are a brand-new student, a transfer student, or someone looking to pick up a few extra credits, this day is designed for you.

Here is exactly what you can cross off your to-do list in a single visit:

• Apply for Admission: We will have staff on hand to help you fill out your application right then and there.
• Financial Aid Help: The FAFSA can be tricky. Our financial aid experts will be available to answer your questions and help you figure out your funding options.
• Academic Advising: Not sure which classes to take? You’ll get to sit down with an advisor who can help you map out a pathway that fits your career goals.
• Register for Spring Classes: Best of all, you will leave with your class schedule in hand, ready to start the semester in January.

What to Bring

To make your day go as smoothly as possible, try to bring the following with you:

• A valid photo ID.
• Your official high school or college transcripts (if you have them).
• Your 2024 tax information (if you plan on filing your FAFSA with us).

No Appointment Needed!

You don’t need to call ahead or book a slot. Just stop by 51ÁÔÆæ Admissions (head toward the Pierce Administration Building) between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Don’t let the stress of “getting ready” for college ruin your holiday break. Come see us on December 15th, get everything handled in a few hours, and spend the rest of the holiday season knowing you’re officially a 51ÁÔÆæ Trojan!

Event Details at a Glance:

• What: 51ÁÔÆæ Instant Enrollment Day
• When: Monday, December 15, 2025
• Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Where: 51ÁÔÆæ Mason City Campus

See you Monday, December 15!

The post Get It All Done in One Day: Join Us for Instant Enrollment Day! appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Visit Us and Find What’s Next

Thinking about where you’ll go next? At 51ÁÔÆæ, our tagline says it best: “Future, Found.” We believe your college journey begins with a place where you feel welcome, supported and ready to explore your potential. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to come see campus for yourself.

Why Visit 51ÁÔÆæ?

• You’ll get a firsthand look at what makes 51ÁÔÆæ special: a friendly, close-knit campus in a beautiful rural setting. The best way to discover what 51ÁÔÆæ is all about is to come see for yourself.
• You’ll meet the people who make our community thrive: our faculty, staff, and current students. They’re here to share their experiences and answer your questions—from academics to student life.
• You’ll explore our facilities and see what your future classroom or lab might look like. With state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll get a feel for where you’ll be learning, growing and preparing for what’s next.
• You’ll walk away with clarity. The unknowns about college—where you’ll fit in, what to expect—become familiar. That means better decisions, less stress and more excitement about starting.

What to Expect on Your Visit

When you schedule a campus visit, here’s what you can plan for:

• Check-in at the Admissions Office: When you arrive, head to the Pierce Administration Building; that’s where our admissions team welcomes you.
• Guided tour of campus: A student ambassador or admissions staff member will walk you through key buildings—classrooms, student life areas, labs—so you get a real feel for the environment.
• Time to explore on your own: Walk around at your own pace. Grab a coffee, peek into student spaces, imagine your day-to-day as a Trojan.
• Q&A about next steps: After the tour, you’ll have time to chat about admissions, financial aid, housing and how to make it all happen.

A Few Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit

1. Write down your questions ahead of time. Want to know about internships? Transfer opportunities? Ask away!
2. Bring someone with you. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or mentor, having someone along gives you an extra perspective.
3. Explore beyond the tour. See the spots where students hang out, check out the housing (if you’ll live on campus), and imagine your daily routine.
4. Take notes or pictures. After you leave, you’ll thank yourself for remembering the vibe, the things you liked, and the things you want to check further.
5. Make the follow-up decision. Visiting helps turn potential into a plan. After you leave, reflect—does this feel like your place to build your future?

Ready to Schedule Your Visit?

Head over to the campus visit page on the 51ÁÔÆæ website to choose your visit type and find available dates. Whether you prefer an individual visit or a Saturday group visit, there’s an option for you.

Why Now’s the Right Time

Choosing the right college is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make—but visiting makes it feel real. At 51ÁÔÆæ, you’re choosing a community that cares about your success, a setting where you’ll grow, and a future you’ll build.

So take the next step. Schedule your visit. Walk the campus. Ask the questions. Start seeing your future here at 51ÁÔÆæ.

We can’t wait to welcome you to campus and show you what life at 51ÁÔÆæ could be.

Schedule a campus visit today

The post Thinking about attending 51ÁÔÆæ? appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

WASHINGTON D.C., October 28, 2025 – Today, the Aspen Institute named 51ÁÔÆæ as one of the 200 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The 200 colleges were selected based on their student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates. Started in 2010, this is the ninth cycle of the Aspen Prize. 

Together, these 200 colleges represent the breadth and diversity of the community college sector. They are located in urban, rural, and suburban areas across the country and serve anywhere from a few hundred students to tens of thousands. Some of these colleges focus primarily on workforce programs, while others focus on transfer and bachelor’s attainment or a combination of the two.  

“The Aspen Prize rewards colleges that achieve the kind of outcomes that actually matter to students—completing college degree programs that, in turn, lead to lifelong success,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “Aspen Prize winners offer a powerful message: Community colleges can deliver the kind of life-changing education that makes the American Dream real.” 

Community colleges educate nearly six million students. Yet community college student outcomes fall short in both the rate at which students graduate and the percentage of students who achieve success after graduation. The Aspen Prize process identifies and celebrates community colleges that demonstrate that achieving stronger outcomes is possible, providing a roadmap of effective practices and strategies for other colleges to follow.  

The 200 eligible colleges have been invited to submit an application and participate in a rigorous review process that will culminate in the naming of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2027. Over the coming 20 months, the colleges that apply for the Aspen Prize will be assessed based on (1) student outcomes data, ranging from student transfer and completion rates to employment and wages after graduation and (2) whether they have engaged in scaled practices that led to high and improving student outcomes.  

“Among these 200 colleges are some really special places that deliver strong and improving outcomes for students across the board,” Wyner said. “Our job over the coming 20 months is to gather a lot more data and work with a deep bench of field experts to assess which of these 200 stand out so we can not only honor them with a monetary award, but drive attention to the most effective field practices that other colleges can replicate.” 

This is the first time since the inception of the Aspen Prize that 200 colleges are eligible to apply, growing from 150. This year, in addition to publicly available federal data, over 600 colleges authorized the use of National Student Clearinghouse data on their institution’s degree completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates for full- and part-time students.  

The full list can be accessed on the. 

The next steps in the process include: 

• November 13/December 9, 2025: Application deadlines for the 2027 Prize  
• April 2026: Announcement of 25 semifinalists, selected based on assessments of extensive data and the application by a group of 11 experts in community colleges, higher education, and workforce 
• June 2026: Announcement of 10 finalists, selected by the same group of experts 
• Fall 2026: Collection of additional data from the 10 finalists, including employment and earnings data for graduates from 2020 and 2025, as well as qualitative assessments of practices by field experts during multi-day site visits to each of the 10 finalists 
• February 2027: The Aspen Prize winner selected by a distinguished, independent jury  
• Spring 2027: Announcement of the Aspen Prize winner and celebration of the 10 finalists at an event in Washington, D.C. 

To read more about the selection process, visit. 

The post The Aspen Institute Names 51ÁÔÆæ as a Top 200 U.S. Community College Eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.