Kishwaukee College Selected for 2027 Aspen Prize Competition

Kishwaukee College, located in Illinois, has been recognized as one of the top 200 community colleges eligible for the prestigious Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. This prize, awarded by the Aspen Institute, honors exemplary performance among two-year colleges and offers a $1 million award to the winner. The selection is based on student outcomes data, which includes retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s degree attainment rates.

The Aspen Prize, established in 2010, is entering its ninth cycle. Kishwaukee College’s President, Laurie Borowicz, expressed pride in the institution’s recognition, stating, “This distinction reflects the unwavering commitment of the entire College community to student success.” She highlighted the college’s achievement of the highest student completion rates in its history and reaffirmed its dedication to innovative programs that enhance student success and benefit the surrounding region.

Celebrating Diversity in Community Colleges

The 200 colleges selected represent a diverse cross-section of the community college landscape, encompassing urban, rural, and suburban institutions. They serve a wide range of student populations, from a few hundred to tens of thousands. While some colleges focus primarily on workforce development, others emphasize transfer programs aimed at bachelor’s degree attainment.

“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,” said Josh Wyner, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. He emphasized that Aspen Prize winners send a powerful message about the capacity of community colleges to provide transformative educational experiences that enable students to realize the American Dream.

Community colleges play a vital role in the education system, educating nearly 6 million students. Despite their importance, many community colleges face challenges with student outcomes, particularly in graduation rates and post-graduation success. The Aspen Prize aims to identify and celebrate institutions that demonstrate the potential for improved outcomes, thereby providing a roadmap for other colleges to follow.

Next Steps in the Aspen Prize Process

The colleges nominated for the Aspen Prize have been invited to apply and engage in a comprehensive review process. This assessment will take place over the next 20 months and will evaluate institutions based on a variety of metrics, including student transfer and completion rates, post-graduation employment, and salaries. Colleges will also be assessed on their implementation of effective practices that have led to improved student outcomes.

This year marks a significant expansion for the Aspen Prize, which has increased the number of eligible colleges from 150 to 200. In addition to public federal data, over 600 colleges have authorized the use of National Student Clearinghouse data, which tracks degree completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates for both full- and part-time students.

The Aspen Institute plans to announce 25 semifinalists in April 2026 and 10 finalists in June 2026. The ultimate winner of the Aspen Prize will be unveiled in the spring of 2027, highlighting the outstanding achievements of community colleges dedicated to enhancing student success and contributing to their communities.