SPSCC in the mix for $1 million excellence award 

For the third time in a row, South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) is a semifinalist for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.  

The Aspen Institute announced that the college is one of the 25 semifinalists for the biennial award, which honors notable community colleges in the nation.  

“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,” said the college in an announcement.  

The college said the Aspen Institute identifies student success through achievement in learning and completion of a college credential, and by post-college success through a job or successful transfer and bachelor’s degree attainment. 

“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 SPSCC President Dr. Timothy Stokes in a statement. 

The college was previously a top 3 finalist with distinction in 2025 and a top 10 finalist in 2023. 

Process 

The selection process began in October 2025, when the Aspen Institute identified and invited 200 community colleges to apply.  

Colleges are identified by strong and improving student outcomes in learning, completion, transfer to bachelor’s attainment and workforce success. 

A 15-member selection committee composed of higher education experts then reviewed applications from 170 submitted applications. 

The Aspen Institute interviewed leadership teams from the colleges receiving top scores and selected the 25 semifinalists. 

A panel will continue a review to select 10 finalists to be announced in June.  

In fall 2026, teams of experts will conduct site visits to the 10 finalists and review extensive data. The Aspen Prize winner will be announced in April 2027.  

The Ascendium Education Group and the Joyce Foundation fund the Aspen Prize.