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For the second consecutive time, Harper College is among the top 150 institutions
eligible for the nation’s signature recognition for community colleges – the $1 million
Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program on October 31 announced its selection of 150 community colleges invited to apply to the 2025 Aspen Prize out of more than 1,000 institutions nationwide.
Awarded every two years, the Aspen Prize honors colleges with outstanding achievement in six critical areas: teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce success, equitable access to the college, and equitable outcomes for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.
Harper was named a Top 25 semifinalist for the 2023 Aspen Prize. The college was also eligible for the 2017 edition of the prestigious recognition.
“Being chosen, for a second consecutive time, as one of the top 150 community colleges eligible for the Aspen Prize is an honor that recognizes Harper College’s holistic approach to educating our community. It strengthens our determination to continue Harper’s excellence in teaching and learning to advance social and economic mobility for our students. It also reinforces our commitment to achieve equitable student success outcomes and cultivate workforce and transfer partnerships that support our community’s success,” said Dr. Avis Proctor, president of Harper College. “We are excited and honored to be considered for this award alongside our country’s best institutions.”
According to the Aspen announcement, “By focusing on student success and lifting up models that work, the Aspen Prize aims to celebrate excellence among our nation’s best community colleges, drive colleges toward a holistic definition of student success, and stimulate replication of highly effective practice and leadership.”
Aspen will narrow the field in 2024. The 2025 Aspen Prize winner will be announced in spring 2025.
