Moraine Park Technical College was named 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 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.
“At Moraine Park, student success is at the heart of every decision we make. Over the past several years, we’ve experienced remarkable growth, which is reflected not only in enrollment, but in strengthened outcomes for our students,” Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park President, said. “Being named among the eligible institutions for the Aspen Prize reinforces that the work we are doing is both meaningful and transformative. It affirms that our commitment is making a real difference in the lives of our students and in the communities we serve.”
Institutions are selected based on their student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment rates and 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.”
For a full list of the top 150 eligible institutions and to read more on the selection process, visit https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/programs/aspen-prize-community-college-excellence.