The Aspen Institute has named Cuesta College one of 200 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The 200 colleges were selected based on their student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates. The Aspen Institute launched the prize in 2010, and this marks its ninth cycle.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the top community colleges in the nation,” said Cuesta College Superintendent / President Dr. Jill Stearns. “This distinction reflects our commitment to academic excellence, equitable student outcomes, and continuous improvement. At Cuesta College, we’re focused on creating opportunities that help every student succeed and build a brighter future for themselves and our community.”
Cuesta College serves more than 10,000 students in San Luis Obispo County with high-quality educational opportunities. It ranks among 14 community colleges in California to earn this distinction. Together, the 200 colleges showcase the breadth and diversity of the community college sector. They are located in urban, rural, and suburban areas across the country and serve anywhere from a few hundred students to tens of thousands. Some of these colleges focus primarily on workforce programs, while others focus on transfer and bachelor’s attainment or a combination of the two.
“The Aspen Prize rewards colleges that achieve the kind of outcomes that actually matter to students—completing college degree programs that, in turn, lead to lifelong success,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “Aspen Prize winners offer a powerful message: Community colleges can deliver the kind of life-changing education that makes the American Dream real.”  Read more…
