Northeast Community College was announced as a 2027 Aspen Prize Top 200 U.S. Community College on October 28.
The Aspen Prize aims to elevate the community college sector and draw attention to what exemplary colleges do to deliver economic mobility for students and talent development for communities.
Northeast Community College was a finalist with the Aspen Institute in 2017. The college was also recognized as one of the top 120 institutions in 2011 and 2013, and as a top 150 institution in 2019, 2021 and 2023.
The Aspen Prize – awarded every two years – recognizes excellent community colleges that achieve high and improving levels of student success in several areas, including teaching and learning; certificate and degree completion; transfer and bachelor’s attainment; workforce success; and college and program access.
"Being named among the Top 200 community colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute is a tremendous honor for Northeast Community College,” said Leah Barrett, president of Northeast. “This recognition affirms our commitment to student success, workforce development, and educational excellence. We are proud of our faculty, staff, and students whose dedication continues to move Northeast forward and create meaningful opportunities for our region."
Jeff Scherer of Beemer, the Northeast Board of Governors chair, said he is pleased to be included on the Aspen Institute's list.
“This recognition by the Aspen Institute is a reflection of the outstanding work happening every day at Northeast Community College. We are honored to stand behind a college that continually raises the bar in higher education and serves as a vital resource for students and employers across our region. The board is proud to support Northeast’s continued pursuit of excellence and innovation,” Scherer said.
Prize winners and finalists are selected based on three rounds of intensive data analysis and qualitative research by independent experts and selection committees. The effective practices and models of excellence uncovered during the prize process are shared with the field through open-access assessment tools and publications, conference presentations, and an extensive set of professional development programs, including Aspen presidential fellowships and Aspen’s state and system partnerships.
The prize is supported by Ascendium, the Joyce Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, and JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Read more about the selection process and the Top 200 eligible institutions here: as.pn/prize.
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