Four Alabama higher education institutions have been recognized by the Aspen Institute to vie for the $1 million Aspen Prize to be awarded in 2025. The community colleges are Wallace State in Hanceville, Northeast Alabama in Rainsville, Snead State in Boaz and Southern Union State in Wadley.
The Aspen Prize, awarded every two years, recognizes colleges with outstanding achievement in six critical areas: teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce success, access and equity for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.
“The Aspen Prize is rooted first and foremost in an assessment of whether colleges are walking the walk,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “The best community colleges are continuing to focus on advancing the core mission: making sure as many students as possible graduate with credentials that lead to fulfilling careers and reflect the development of diverse talent that communities, states and our nation need.”
The chosen colleges will compete in a field of 150 institutions.
