The Aspen Institute has named South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) as one of 25 semifinalists for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
Rooted in deep research and backed by $1 million in award money, the Aspen Prize is the nation’s signature recognition of community colleges that deliver value for their students, according to a news release from the SPSCC. This is the third consecutive cycle that Aspen has named SPSCC a semifinalist.
“Being recognized once again as an Aspen Prize semifinalist affirms the sustained, intentional work our faculty and staff do every day to support student success,” Dr. Timothy Stokes, president of SPSCC, said in the release. “Our focus has always been on creating an environment where students feel supported and empowered to move forward with confidence. This recognition underscores the impact of that shared commitment and motivates us to keep pushing for what’s possible. We’re proud to see that commitment recognized on a national stage.”
The 25 semifinalists were selected from nearly 1,000 institutions nationwide based on their outcomes data and collegewide practices aligned to achieving high and improving levels of student success. Aspen defines student success as achievement in learning and completion of a college credential, and by post-college success in the form of a good job or successful transfer and bachelor’s degree attainment.
The Aspen Prize is awarded every two years and recognizes excellence across a wide range of institutions. The top colleges ensure students complete programs with strong regional labor market value and clear transfer pathways that lead to bachelor’s degrees, according to the release.
The Aspen Prize selection process began in October 2025, when Aspen identified 200 community colleges based on data demonstrating strong and improving student outcomes in key areas — including learning, completion, transfer leading to bachelor’s attainment, and workforce success — and invited them to apply. From there, 170 colleges submitted applications, which were reviewed by a selection committee of 15 higher education experts who evaluated each submission using both extensive data and narrative responses. Aspen then interviewed the leadership teams from colleges receiving top scores, and 25 semifinalists were selected.
In the coming weeks, the 15-member panel of experts will continue its review and narrow the field to 10 finalists, which will be announced in June. In the fall of 2026, teams of experts will conduct in-depth site visits to those 10 finalist colleges and review extensive data, including actual wage data for graduates. The Aspen Prize winner will be announced in April 2027.
The Aspen Prize is funded by the Ascendium Education Group and the Joyce Foundation.
