Two Florida Colleges Named Finalists for Prestigious Aspen Prize
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Two Florida Colleges Named Finalists for Prestigious Aspen Prize
Tallahassee, Fla., September 4, 2014 - Two Florida College System institutions have been named finalists for the prestigious Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Indian River State College and Santa Fe College today were named finalists for the 2015 prize in Aspen's official announcement. The Aspen Institute identified the top 10 community colleges in the nation based on exceptional levels of student success. Florida was one of only three states with multiple finalists."Congratulations to Indian River State College and Santa Fe College for being recognized as two of the top colleges in the nation," said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. "I am so appreciative of the important role Florida colleges play in preparing students for success in college, career and in life."
Indian River State College President Edwin Massey said, "We are incredibly honored that Indian River State College has been selected as a top-ten finalist for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Our selection reflects a college-wide commitment to continuous improvement and student success."
Santa Fe College President Jackson Sasser added, "The success of Santa Fe College's students is owned by the trustees, employees, the Florida Colleges System and the whole state of Florida. I am grateful for the commitment to excellence that finds residence in each of these student advocates."
The Aspen Institute reviews publicly available-data to determine which community colleges demonstrate student success in four areas: student learning, certificate and degree completion, employment and earnings, and high levels of access and success for minority and low-income students.
"I am very proud of the two institutions that are being recognized, in addition to our other state colleges eligible to compete for the 2015 Aspen Prize," said Florida College System Chancellor Randy Hanna. "The Florida College System is committed to providing affordable, high-quality education, and both Indian River State College and Santa Fe College exemplify that we are living up to that commitment. This award spotlights the excellent work being done by our colleges and the vital role we play in Florida's economy."
In each year the Aspen Prize has been awarded, 14 of the 28 Florida College System institutions have been eligible for this award - ranking them in the top 15 percent of community colleges nationwide. Valencia College won the inaugural prize in 2011, and Broward College and Santa Fe College were named to the top 10 in 2013.
Indian River State College and Santa Fe College will now participate in the final phase of the competition for the $1 million Aspen Prize which will be announced in early 2015.
For more information, view the Aspen Prize Eligibility Page.
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