BREAKING: Barton Community College has just been named one of the 200 institutions eligible for the prestigious $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, as confirmed by the Aspen Institute today. This recognition spotlights the top-performing community colleges in the nation, showcasing their commitment to student achievement and success.
The Aspen Prize, initiated in 2010, is the premier accolade for two-year colleges, evaluating schools based on critical metrics such as retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates. Barton Community College President Dr. Marcus Garstecki expressed immense pride in the institution’s achievement, stating, “It is an incredible honor for us to be recognized among the nation’s top community colleges eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.”
This selection is significant not only for Barton but also for the broader community college sector, which serves nearly six million students nationwide. The recognition emphasizes the college’s dedication to enhancing student outcomes and reflects the hard work of faculty and staff who strive for excellence every day.
“Together, these 200 colleges demonstrate the diversity of the community college landscape, reaching urban, rural, and suburban areas across the country,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. He added that the Aspen Prize aims to reward colleges that facilitate meaningful student outcomes, leading to long-term success and realization of the American Dream.
The selected colleges will engage in a rigorous application and review process over the next 20 months, culminating in the announcement of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2027. They will be assessed on their student outcomes data, including transfer rates and employment success post-graduation, as well as their implementation of effective practices that drive improvements in student achievement.
This award not only honors outstanding colleges but also provides a roadmap of successful strategies that other institutions can adopt. “Among these 200 colleges are some really special places that deliver strong and improving outcomes for students across the board,” Wyner stated.
As Barton Community College prepares for the next steps in this competitive process, the spotlight is on their commitment to building on a legacy of excellence. The Aspen Institute’s recognition serves as a powerful message that community colleges can provide transformative education that significantly impacts students’ lives.
For more details on the selection process and to stay updated on the Aspen Prize, visit as.pn/prize. This is a developing story, and further updates will follow as Barton and the other colleges advance through this prestigious competition.
