Ironwood – The Aspen Institute recently named Gogebic Community College as one of the 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. Started in 2010, this is the ninth cycle of the Aspen Prize.

“This recognition from the Aspen Institute is a tribute to the incredible spirit of the Gogebic Community College family — our students, faculty, staff, trustees, and community partners who believe deeply in the power of education to transform lives. Being named among the top 200 community colleges in the nation reminds us that when a community comes together with a shared purpose — to help students learn, grow, and succeed — great things happen. This honor belongs to all of us,” said Chris Patritto, GCC president.

According to a GCC press relase, together, these 200 colleges represent 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.”

This is the first time since the inception of the Aspen Prize that 200 colleges are eligible to apply, growing from 150. The next step in the process is to submit an application for the 2027 Aspen Prize to be reviewed through a rigorous evaluation for a spot in the top 25 selected in April of 2026 based on assessments of extensive data by a group of experts in community colleges, higher education and workforce. The top 10 Aspen Prize finalists will be selected in June of 2026. 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 2027. The Aspen Prize is generously funded by Ascendium Education Philanthropy and the Joyce Foundation.