Aspen Institute College Excellence Program
@aspenhighered.bsky.social
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program is committed to improving college student outcomes. How? Through effective policy, practice, and leadership.
ICYMI: Earlier this year, we announced the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, recognizing standout community colleges nationwide—including Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, the 2025 Prize Winner. Explore the full publication: as.pn/prize25
The 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence
Community colleges serve as vital gateways to well-paying careers and further education for millions of Americans. The Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence recognizes institutions that excel i...
as.pn
December 22, 2025 at 7:07 PM
ICYMI: Earlier this year, we announced the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, recognizing standout community colleges nationwide—including Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, the 2025 Prize Winner. Explore the full publication: as.pn/prize25
As 2025 closes, we’re highlighting the Transfer Playbook 2.0, developed with CCRC. It shares proven strategies to help colleges improve transfer outcomes and support students in earning bachelor’s degrees. Explore the interactive version: thetransferplaybook.org
The Transfer Playbook
thetransferplaybook.org
December 18, 2025 at 3:57 PM
As 2025 closes, we’re highlighting the Transfer Playbook 2.0, developed with CCRC. It shares proven strategies to help colleges improve transfer outcomes and support students in earning bachelor’s degrees. Explore the interactive version: thetransferplaybook.org
📣 ICYMI: We released Unlocking Opportunity: Eight Strategies for Community Colleges to Improve Post-Completion Outcomes, co-authored with CCRC. The guide shares evidence-based strategies to strengthen programs, advising, and student outcomes. as.pn/UOPracticeGuide
December 15, 2025 at 4:50 PM
📣 ICYMI: We released Unlocking Opportunity: Eight Strategies for Community Colleges to Improve Post-Completion Outcomes, co-authored with CCRC. The guide shares evidence-based strategies to strengthen programs, advising, and student outcomes. as.pn/UOPracticeGuide
As we close out the year, we’re reflecting on the leadership that truly moves higher education forward; in this In Session episode, our Josh Wyner highlights what sets transformational college presidents apart—watch here: youtu.be/ZMxIa-c3qAY?...
In Session: Josh Wyner
YouTube video by The Aspen Institute
youtu.be
December 10, 2025 at 2:40 PM
As we close out the year, we’re reflecting on the leadership that truly moves higher education forward; in this In Session episode, our Josh Wyner highlights what sets transformational college presidents apart—watch here: youtu.be/ZMxIa-c3qAY?...
How can college leaders ensure more students earn credentials that lead to real economic mobility—and meet regional talent needs? Thank you to @theeduledger.bsky.social for covering our Unlocking Opportunity guide with CCRC. www.theeduledger.com/institutions...
Community Colleges Launch Major Push to Improve Post-Graduation Outcomes
Report outlines eight strategies to ensure students earn living wages, transfer successfully.
www.theeduledger.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:25 PM
How can college leaders ensure more students earn credentials that lead to real economic mobility—and meet regional talent needs? Thank you to @theeduledger.bsky.social for covering our Unlocking Opportunity guide with CCRC. www.theeduledger.com/institutions...
Our team joined colleagues nationwide at the 2025 First-Generation Lower-Income (FGLI) Conference at Johns Hopkins, leading sessions and connecting with institutions committed to supporting FGLI students. Learn more about our work: highered.aspeninstitute.org
November 25, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Our team joined colleagues nationwide at the 2025 First-Generation Lower-Income (FGLI) Conference at Johns Hopkins, leading sessions and connecting with institutions committed to supporting FGLI students. Learn more about our work: highered.aspeninstitute.org
A clearer, faster way to learn what works for transfer students is here. It's now easier to explore and apply proven, research-based strategies from the Transfer Playbook 2.0 with searchable content, intuitive navigation, built-in resources, and mobile-friendly design: thetransferplaybook.org
November 24, 2025 at 4:58 PM
A clearer, faster way to learn what works for transfer students is here. It's now easier to explore and apply proven, research-based strategies from the Transfer Playbook 2.0 with searchable content, intuitive navigation, built-in resources, and mobile-friendly design: thetransferplaybook.org
Grateful to present the updated Transfer Playbook with our colleagues at CCRC in an event led by Texas Student Success Center. We highlighted evidence-based practices and leadership strategies that help colleges improve transfer at scale. Explore the new interactive Playbook: thetransferplaybook.org
November 19, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Grateful to present the updated Transfer Playbook with our colleagues at CCRC in an event led by Texas Student Success Center. We highlighted evidence-based practices and leadership strategies that help colleges improve transfer at scale. Explore the new interactive Playbook: thetransferplaybook.org
How can community colleges help students thrive—not just graduate? Join Jason Wood, former president of Southwest Tech (2025 Aspen Prize winner) for the Dallas Herring Lecture on Nov 18, 11 a.m. ET. ncsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
November 12, 2025 at 3:25 PM
How can community colleges help students thrive—not just graduate? Join Jason Wood, former president of Southwest Tech (2025 Aspen Prize winner) for the Dallas Herring Lecture on Nov 18, 11 a.m. ET. ncsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
How can community colleges ensure every student graduates into a family-sustaining career? In this new op-ed, Aspen’s Josh Wyner and Southwest Tech’s Holly Clendenen share how the 2025 Aspen Prize winner redesigned programs so every credential leads to opportunity. www.yahoo.com/news/article...
Here is why Southwest Wisconsin Tech is a prize-winning community college | Opinion
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College aims to help every student make a program plan based on better career decisions and post-graduate success.
www.yahoo.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:21 PM
How can community colleges ensure every student graduates into a family-sustaining career? In this new op-ed, Aspen’s Josh Wyner and Southwest Tech’s Holly Clendenen share how the 2025 Aspen Prize winner redesigned programs so every credential leads to opportunity. www.yahoo.com/news/article...
Leaders from the 10 pilot colleges in Aspen’s #UnlockingOpportunity Network gathered in D.C. to reflect on progress, share strategies, and plan the next phase of their multi-year work helping students complete programs that lead to degrees and good jobs. as.pn/UnlockingOpportunity
November 6, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Leaders from the 10 pilot colleges in Aspen’s #UnlockingOpportunity Network gathered in D.C. to reflect on progress, share strategies, and plan the next phase of their multi-year work helping students complete programs that lead to degrees and good jobs. as.pn/UnlockingOpportunity
In times of uncertainty, leadership matters most. Our Josh Wyner shares how college leaders can turn disruption into opportunity in a new blog: highered.aspeninstitute.org/blog-posts/n...
Never Waste a Crisis: How Colleges Can Find Opportunities in this Moment to Deliver for Students and Communities
Today, college and university leaders are confronted with multiple challenges. Enrollments are uncertain, driven by demographic trends, immigration policies, and legal restrictions on recruitment. Bud...
highered.aspeninstitute.org
November 5, 2025 at 3:19 PM
In times of uncertainty, leadership matters most. Our Josh Wyner shares how college leaders can turn disruption into opportunity in a new blog: highered.aspeninstitute.org/blog-posts/n...
📬 We are thrilled to bring you October's edition of our College 3.0 Newsletter, where we will share findings and spotlights on access, completion, and post-grad success: mailchi.mp/cd8cedd8c624...
Subscribe here: highered.aspeninstitute.org/contact
Subscribe here: highered.aspeninstitute.org/contact
October 31, 2025 at 3:12 PM
📬 We are thrilled to bring you October's edition of our College 3.0 Newsletter, where we will share findings and spotlights on access, completion, and post-grad success: mailchi.mp/cd8cedd8c624...
Subscribe here: highered.aspeninstitute.org/contact
Subscribe here: highered.aspeninstitute.org/contact
💬 “This is transforming how I'm thinking about student success.” Cohort 10 of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship just wrapped its first in-person session in Lansdowne, VA. Learn more: as.pn/risingpresidents
October 30, 2025 at 8:41 PM
💬 “This is transforming how I'm thinking about student success.” Cohort 10 of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship just wrapped its first in-person session in Lansdowne, VA. Learn more: as.pn/risingpresidents
Reposted by Aspen Institute College Excellence Program
Exciting news: the 2027 #AspenPrize Top 200 community colleges were announced today! Joyce is proud to be a founding funder of the Aspen Prize. Join us in celebrating their commitment to driving higher student success and outcomes. ⬇️ #HigherEd #StudentSuccess
Community colleges change lives every day. Today, we celebrate the top 200 colleges eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, recognizing high achievement and student success. Learn more: as.pn/prize
October 28, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Exciting news: the 2027 #AspenPrize Top 200 community colleges were announced today! Joyce is proud to be a founding funder of the Aspen Prize. Join us in celebrating their commitment to driving higher student success and outcomes. ⬇️ #HigherEd #StudentSuccess
Community colleges change lives every day. Today, we celebrate the top 200 colleges eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, recognizing high achievement and student success. Learn more: as.pn/prize
October 28, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Community colleges change lives every day. Today, we celebrate the top 200 colleges eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, recognizing high achievement and student success. Learn more: as.pn/prize
San Jacinto College, a 2025 Aspen Prize Finalist with Distinction, shows how community colleges make degrees “worth it" by aligning programs with employers, expanding access, and preparing students for good-paying jobs.
📖 www.bizjournals.com/houston/news...
📖 www.bizjournals.com/houston/news...
San Jacinto College boosts job prospects through industry partnerships and program refinement - Houston Business Journal
See how San Jacinto College has boosted graduates' earning potential.
www.bizjournals.com
October 14, 2025 at 2:42 PM
San Jacinto College, a 2025 Aspen Prize Finalist with Distinction, shows how community colleges make degrees “worth it" by aligning programs with employers, expanding access, and preparing students for good-paying jobs.
📖 www.bizjournals.com/houston/news...
📖 www.bizjournals.com/houston/news...
We’re hiring! The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program seeks a Program Manager to support our Unlocking Opportunity network—advancing student success at 65 community colleges nationwide.
💼 $85K–$100K | 📍DC (hybrid)
Apply: www.aspeninstitute.org/about/our-ca...
💼 $85K–$100K | 📍DC (hybrid)
Apply: www.aspeninstitute.org/about/our-ca...
October 10, 2025 at 3:10 PM
We’re hiring! The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program seeks a Program Manager to support our Unlocking Opportunity network—advancing student success at 65 community colleges nationwide.
💼 $85K–$100K | 📍DC (hybrid)
Apply: www.aspeninstitute.org/about/our-ca...
💼 $85K–$100K | 📍DC (hybrid)
Apply: www.aspeninstitute.org/about/our-ca...
Applications for the Rising Presidents and Presidents Fellowships close Oct 13! Falecia D. Williams knows how these programs help community college leaders grow skills, expand networks, and lead transformational change.
🔗 as.pn/risingpresidents
🔗 as.pn/presidentsfellowship
🔗 as.pn/risingpresidents
🔗 as.pn/presidentsfellowship
October 9, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Applications for the Rising Presidents and Presidents Fellowships close Oct 13! Falecia D. Williams knows how these programs help community college leaders grow skills, expand networks, and lead transformational change.
🔗 as.pn/risingpresidents
🔗 as.pn/presidentsfellowship
🔗 as.pn/risingpresidents
🔗 as.pn/presidentsfellowship
The Aspen Rising Presidents and Presidents Fellowships give leaders the skills, networks, and guidance to grow their confidence, expand their influence, and lead authentically. Applications are open through Oct 13: theaspeninstitute.submittable.com/submit
October 7, 2025 at 4:41 PM
The Aspen Rising Presidents and Presidents Fellowships give leaders the skills, networks, and guidance to grow their confidence, expand their influence, and lead authentically. Applications are open through Oct 13: theaspeninstitute.submittable.com/submit
🚨 Last chance! Join the final Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship webinar on Oct 3 (12 PM ET). Learn how this year-long program equips future community college presidents to lead bold, student-centered change.
👉 aspeninstitute.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
👉 aspeninstitute.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
October 1, 2025 at 2:44 PM
🚨 Last chance! Join the final Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship webinar on Oct 3 (12 PM ET). Learn how this year-long program equips future community college presidents to lead bold, student-centered change.
👉 aspeninstitute.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
👉 aspeninstitute.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
What happens when presidents & trustees unite for student success? Last week we hosted the first in-person session of the Presidents & Trustees Collaborative where leaders are aligning priorities & building lasting reforms to advance student outcomes. 🔗 as.pn/presidentsandtrusteescollaborative
September 30, 2025 at 1:26 PM
What happens when presidents & trustees unite for student success? Last week we hosted the first in-person session of the Presidents & Trustees Collaborative where leaders are aligning priorities & building lasting reforms to advance student outcomes. 🔗 as.pn/presidentsandtrusteescollaborative
📬 We are thrilled to bring you September's edition of our College 3.0 Newsletter, where we will share findings and spotlights on access, completion, and post-grad success: mailchi.mp/aspeninstitu...
Subscribe here: highered.aspeninstitute.org/contact
Subscribe here: highered.aspeninstitute.org/contact
Why We Should (Still) Care About Degrees, Plus Lessons from Excellent Rural Community Colleges
mailchi.mp
September 26, 2025 at 4:05 PM
📬 We are thrilled to bring you September's edition of our College 3.0 Newsletter, where we will share findings and spotlights on access, completion, and post-grad success: mailchi.mp/aspeninstitu...
Subscribe here: highered.aspeninstitute.org/contact
Subscribe here: highered.aspeninstitute.org/contact
Aspen Rising Presidents & Presidents Fellowships prepare leaders to grow in their current roles, build strong teams, & lead transformational change. Alum Michael Gutierrez knows the impact. Apply by Oct 13:
🔗 as.pn/risingpresidents
🔗 as.pn/presidentsfellowship
🔗 as.pn/risingpresidents
🔗 as.pn/presidentsfellowship
September 26, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Aspen Rising Presidents & Presidents Fellowships prepare leaders to grow in their current roles, build strong teams, & lead transformational change. Alum Michael Gutierrez knows the impact. Apply by Oct 13:
🔗 as.pn/risingpresidents
🔗 as.pn/presidentsfellowship
🔗 as.pn/risingpresidents
🔗 as.pn/presidentsfellowship
Rural community colleges are more than education providers—they’re hubs for community & economic growth. @hechingerreport.org features @aspeninstitute.bsky.social's Josh Wyner & Bonita Robertson-Hardy on how these colleges strengthen their regions. hechingerreport.org/opinion-rura...
OPINION: Rural community colleges are uniquely positioned to tackle complex regional challenges and drive community transformation. Here's how.
Rural community colleges must become rural development hubs, delivering value by bridging economic, social and civic sectors to address regional challenges. Here are three lessons from high-performing...
hechingerreport.org
September 24, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Rural community colleges are more than education providers—they’re hubs for community & economic growth. @hechingerreport.org features @aspeninstitute.bsky.social's Josh Wyner & Bonita Robertson-Hardy on how these colleges strengthen their regions. hechingerreport.org/opinion-rura...