Pueblo Community College is one of 200 two-year colleges selected to apply for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
The Aspen Institute awards the prize biennially to a top-performing community college. Institutions were selected based on student outcomes, including retention, completion, transfer and bachelor’s degree attainment rates. This is the ninth cycle since the prize launched in 2010 and the first to include 200 eligible colleges, up from 150 in previous years.
“This acknowledgment is a testament to the sustained commitment of many individuals at the college,” said PCC President Chato Hazelbaker in a news release. It doesn't reflect one year of good work; it reflects decades of community impact.”
The selected colleges represent urban, rural and suburban communities nationwide. Enrollment ranges from a few hundred students to tens of thousands. Some institutions focus on workforce programs, others on transfer pathways, bachelor’s degrees or a combination.
Hazelbaker said the Aspen Institute’s data-driven approach allows PCC to benchmark its performance against peer institutions, helping the college identify strengths and areas for improvement. He added that the process will support strategic planning for PCC Southwest and ensure consistent excellence across the district.
Hazelbaker also noted that while community colleges serve nearly six million students, many fall short in graduation rates and post-graduation success. He said the Aspen Prize highlights institutions that prove stronger outcomes are achievable and offers a model of effective strategies for others to follow.
Eligible colleges are invited to participate in a 20-month review. Applications will be evaluated on student outcomes – including transfer and completion rates, employment and post-graduation wages – and practices that support student success.
Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, said the next phase will focus on collecting more data and working with experts to identify standout colleges. The goal is to award top performers and spotlight effective practices that other institutions can adopt.
Applications are due Nov. 13 and Dec. 9. Twenty-five semifinalists will be announced in April 2026, followed by 10 finalists in June 2026.
In fall 2026, finalists must submit graduate employment earnings for 2020 and 2026, host multiday site visits and provide additional documentation. An independent jury will select the winner in February 2027. The announcement and finalist celebration will take place in spring 2027 in Washington, D.C.
The full list of eligible colleges and details are available at bit.ly/AspenPrizeNominees.
Founded in 1949, the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program is a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., with a location in Aspen, Colorado. It works to strengthen leadership in higher education and improve student outcomes.
