Barton Community College Named Among Top 200 for Aspen Prize
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 awarded by the Aspen Institute. This recognition places Barton among the top two-year colleges in the nation, highlighting its commitment to student success and exceptional performance.
The Aspen Institute’s announcement comes as part of the ninth cycle of the Aspen Prize, which started in 2010. Colleges were selected based on crucial student outcome metrics, including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates. This award is not just a badge of honor; it represents a pathway for colleges to showcase effective practices that can transform student lives.
Barton Community College’s President, Dr. Marcus Garstecki, expressed his pride, stating, “It is an incredible honor for us to be recognized among the nation’s top community colleges. This distinction reflects our unwavering dedication to student success.” He emphasized the college’s commitment to its students, saying, “Our students are at the center of everything we do at Barton.”
The competition includes a diverse group of colleges located across urban, rural, and suburban areas, serving student populations ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands. These institutions encompass a variety of focuses, including workforce development and transfer programs, underscoring the vital role community colleges play in the educational landscape.
Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, remarked on the significance of the prize: “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 highlighted that the recognition serves as a powerful message, demonstrating that community colleges can deliver life-changing education that fulfills the promise of the American Dream.
Despite educating nearly six million students, community colleges often struggle with graduate rates and post-graduation success. The Aspen Prize aims to spotlight institutions that are making notable strides in improving these outcomes, thus providing a blueprint for others to follow.
Over the next 20 months, the eligible colleges will undergo a rigorous review process, evaluating their student outcomes data, including transfer and completion rates, employment, and wages post-graduation. The selection process will culminate in the announcement of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2027.
Wyner noted, “Among these 200 colleges are some really special places that deliver strong and improving outcomes for students across the board.” The upcoming assessment will involve gathering extensive data and working with field experts to identify standout institutions. This rigorous evaluation aims not only to honor the winners but also to highlight effective practices that can be replicated by other colleges.
To explore the selection process further, visit as.pn/prize. This recognition marks a significant milestone for Barton Community College and sets the stage for a competitive journey toward excellence in community college education.
