Kishwaukee College Competes for $1 Million Aspen Prize in 2027

Kishwaukee College has been named one of the top 200 institutions eligible for the prestigious $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. This recognition, awarded by the Aspen Institute, highlights high achievement and performance among two-year colleges across the United States. The selection is based on comprehensive student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s degree attainment rates.

This year marks the ninth cycle of the Aspen Prize, which began in 2010. Kishwaukee College President Laurie Borowicz expressed pride in the college’s recognition, stating, “Kishwaukee College is honored to be recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the top 200 community colleges in the nation.” She highlighted the college’s commitment to student success, noting that it has achieved the highest completion rates in its history. Borowicz emphasized the college’s dedication to innovative programs and services that not only support students but also strengthen the surrounding community.

Broad Representation of Community Colleges

The 200 colleges selected for this cycle represent a diverse array of institutions located in urban, rural, and suburban areas. These colleges cater to various student populations, ranging from those serving a few hundred to those that enroll tens of thousands of students. Some focus on workforce development, while others emphasize transfer pathways and bachelor’s degree attainment, or a mix of both.

According to Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, “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.” He added that winners of the Aspen Prize send a powerful message about the significant role community colleges play in making educational opportunities accessible and transformative.

Focus on Student Outcomes

Community colleges educate nearly 6 million students annually. Nevertheless, many institutions struggle with low graduation rates and limited post-graduation success. The Aspen Prize aims to identify and celebrate colleges that demonstrate exceptional outcomes, providing a roadmap of effective practices for others to emulate.

The colleges selected are invited to apply for the Aspen Prize and will undergo a rigorous evaluation process that will culminate in the announcement of the winner in spring 2027. Over the next 20 months, the participating colleges will be assessed based on various metrics, including student transfer and completion rates, employment outcomes, and the effectiveness of programs that have led to significant improvements in student success.

Wyner noted, “Among these 200 colleges are some really special places that deliver strong and improving outcomes for students across the board.” He emphasized the importance of gathering more data and collaborating with experts to determine which colleges stand out, ensuring that the award not only honors excellence but also promotes best practices throughout the community college sector.

For the first time since the Aspen Prize’s inception, eligibility has expanded from 150 to 200 colleges. This year, over 600 colleges allowed the use of data from the National Student Clearinghouse, which tracks degree completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates for both full- and part-time students.

The selection process will continue with the announcement of 25 semifinalists in April 2026 and 10 finalists in June 2026. The ultimate winner of the Aspen Prize will be revealed in spring 2027, further underscoring the importance of community colleges in shaping the educational landscape and providing pathways to success for students across the country.