Today, the Aspen Institute (Aspen) 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. 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,” said Dr. Timothy Stokes, President of SPSCC. “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. With each cycle, Aspen deepens its understanding of what value looks like. The top colleges ensure students complete programs with strong regional labor market value and clear transfer pathways that lead to bachelor’s degrees.
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 fall 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 generously funded by the Ascendium Education Group and the Joyce Foundation.
About SPSCC
Recognized as a top three best community college in the U.S. by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program in 2025, SPSCC serves around 8,000 students each year. The college serves people from all backgrounds and meets them where they are, connecting them to pathways and classes to reach their goals. Whether that’s landing a new job, learning a new skill, earning a degree, or transferring to a university, SPSCC is dedicated to helping students on their journey toward an amplified future.
SPSCC's mission is to support student success in postsecondary academic transfer and workforce education that responds to the needs of the South Puget Sound region. SPSCC supports student success and builds prosperity by collaborating with the community and our partners to offer innovative, accessible, and affordable learning experiences.
SPSCC has previously been selected by the Aspen Institute as:
- 2025 Top 3 Finalist with Distinction
- 2023 Top 10 Finalist
- 2021 Top 150
- 2019 Top 150
- 2017 Top 150
About the Aspen Institute
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to strengthen higher education leadership and practice to improve student outcomes—with the ultimate goal of advancing economic mobility and developing talent for the good of each individual and society as a whole. For more information, visit www.highered.aspeninstitute.org.
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.