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  • College Students Walking Between Classes
    Transfer Playbook 2.0

    Strategies to Improve Success of Community College Students Aiming to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

    Read the Playbook
  • Unlocking Opportunity
    Unlocking Opportunity

    Apply Now to Join the Unlocking Opportunity Network

     

    Explore and Apply
  • Unlocking Opportunity Mapping and Planning Guide
    Unlocking Opportunity

    Strengthening Community College Program Maps and Educational Plans for Post-Completion Value: Practical Guide

    Acccess the Guide
  • Smiling Student in Classroom
    Aspen Institute College Excellence Program

    About Us

    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 all people and society as a whole.

    Learn More
  • Aspen Prize San Jacinto Students
    Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence

    2025 Aspen Prize Finalists

    The Aspen Institute has named the 10 finalists for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The $1 million award is the nation's signature recognition of strong performance among community colleges.

    Read the Announcement
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    College 3.0

    Our Newsletter

    Want monthly insights on higher education reform? Subscribe to our College 3.0 newsletter.

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By the Numbers

  • 105
    Rising Presidents Fellowship alumni have become presidents.
  • 198
    Sitting community college presidents have engaged in Aspen’s intensive yearlong Presidents Fellowship program to improve student outcomes.
  • $500+ Million
    Amount donated by a prominent philanthropist to colleges that were finalists for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
  • 139
    Number of four-year colleges and universities that are members of the American Talent Initiative (ATI), each setting concrete goals for enrolling more lower-income students.
  • 18,100
    Additional students from low- and moderate-income backgrounds enrolled in American Talent Initiative (ATI) member institutions since ATI’s inception in 2016.
  • 200
    University and college presidents and teams engaged in intensive professional development programs designed to develop concrete plans to improve transfer outcomes.
  • 2,000+
    Community college leaders who have taken part in Aspen professional development programs aimed at improving student success outcomes during and after college.

Our Focus Areas

To advance our mission, the College Excellence Program focuses on how colleges improve student outcomes across multiple domains and on highly effective leadership practices. Each focus area page includes playbooks, recommended metrics, assessment tools, inquiry questions, and related resources. 

Workforce

Ensuring that students have the necessary skills and knowledge to secure a good job.

Transfer

Helping community college students transfer and earn bachelor's degrees.

Completion

Strengthening graduation rates so students earn a degree or credential that has post-college value. 

Teaching and Learning

Through excellent teaching, ensuring that students effectively learn what is taught in courses and programs.

Equitable Outcomes

Achieving high and equitable outcomes for students of color and those from low-income backgrounds.

Access

Ensuring that the college’s service area is reflected in enrollment and programs with strong post-grad outcomes.

Leadership and Capacities

The actions of college leaders and the institutional capacities needed to achieve strong student outcomes.

In the News