Bridgeport, CT (October 12, 2017) –Housatonic Community College (HCC) has been selected as one of only 150 community colleges in the nation eligible to compete for the fifth biennial $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The Aspen Prize is the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance in America’s community colleges.

Housatonic Community College was selected from a nationwide pool of more than 1,000 public two-year colleges in 39 states, that are assessed for exceptional student outcomes in four areas: student learning, certificate and degree completion (including a bachelor’s degree after transfer), employment and earnings, and high levels of access and success for minority and low-income students.

Throughout the process, Aspen looks extensively at data, engages community college leaders, and solicits guidance from experts in higher education.  2019 Aspen Prize eligible institutions stand out for their high, improving and equitable rates of student success.

“We are honored by this recognition,” said Paul Broadie II, Ph.D., President of Housatonic Community College.  “This is a tremendous acknowledgement of the excellent work of our faculty and staff who work hard to provide the education and support that leads to success. We look forward going to the next level in this prestigious competition.”

Housatonic Community College enters the next round of competition for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence by submitting an application to be reviewed through a rigorous evaluation for a spot on the top ten Aspen Prize finalists list. Top ten finalists will be named in May 2018. The Aspen Institute will then conduct site visits to each of the finalists and collect additional quantitative data. A distinguished Prize Jury will select a grand prize winner, finalist(s) with distinction, and rising star(s) in spring 2019.

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