October 31, 2023
Eastern Florida State College has been named one of the top 150 community colleges
in the nation eligible to compete for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
The prestigious award, which will be given in 2025, is the nation’s foremost recognition
for high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges.
The institutions were selected based on these criteria: Teaching and learning, certificate
and degree completion, transfer and Bachelor’s Degree attainment, workforce success,
equitable access to the college, and equitable outcomes for students of color and
students from low-income backgrounds.
The Aspen Institute has previously considered Eastern Florida for the prize which
is chosen from more than 1,000 community colleges in the U.S.
The winner receives a $1 million prize.
“These colleges represent the amazing potential of America’s thousand-plus community
colleges as engines of prosperity and social mobility,” the Aspen Institute said Tuesday
in announcing the top colleges.
Eastern Florida President Dr. Jim Richey said the college’s nomination shows its commitment
to high standards with a focus on workforce programs to meet the needs of area industry.
He cited more than 25 Bachelor’s Degree tracks in Business, Health Care and Computer
Technology, a wealth of high-tech programs in fields such as aerospace, robotics and
cyber security, robust online learning opportunities and strong minority enrollment.
“There has never been a better time to study at EFSC than right now. Our excellent
faculty and staff strive every day to help students succeed and have them job-ready
upon graduation,” said Richey.
“We also have business partnerships that provide students with internships and apprenticeships,
state-of-the- art facilities with more under construction and an unwavering belief
in serving our community.”
The 150 colleges will be trimmed down to 10 finalists. Site visits will be conducted
at those institutions before the winner is selected.
For more information, contact John Glisch at glischj@easternflorida.edu
