The Aspen Institute Names KCC a Top 200 U.S. Community College Eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize

CONTACTS: Kristin O’Keefe, 240-351-8531, kristin.okeefe@aspeninstitute.org;  

Cheryl Todmann, 646-897-2508, cheryl.todmann@kbcc.cuny.edu 

Kingsborough Community College was named one of the 200 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence today by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, the nation's signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America's community colleges. Sister CUNY colleges Borough of Manhattan Community College, LaGuardia Community College and Queensborough Community College also made the first cut. The prize winner will be announced in spring 2027. 

Launched in 2010 and awarded every two years, the $1 million Aspen Prize is the nation’s signature recognition of community colleges that are achieving high, improving, and equitable outcomes for students. (Former President Obama called it the “Oscars for great community colleges.”) This is the ninth consecutive time the College has made the Aspen Prize list. Named a semifinalist four times, it finished in the top 10 three times: as an Aspen Prize Finalist in 2019 and 2023 and a Finalist with Distinction in 2013.  

Community colleges educate nearly six million students. The Aspen Prize process identifies and celebrates community colleges that demonstrate that achieving stronger outcomes is possible and drives attention to the most effective practices that other colleges can replicate.   

“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.”   

“It means a lot for Kingsborough to once again be part of this group of outstanding community colleges,” said KCC President Suri Duitch. “Everything we do centers on our students—their goals, their challenges, and their success—and recognition from the Aspen Institute reminds us that our efforts are making a real difference.” 

This is the first time since the inception of the Aspen Prize that 200 colleges are eligible to apply, growing from 150. The colleges were selected based on their student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates. They are located in urban, rural, and suburban areas across the country and serve anywhere from a few hundred students to tens of thousands. Together, they represent the breadth and diversity of the community college sector.  

The Aspen Prize review process, which assesses student success, transfer, and employment outcomes, will continue over the next 20 months. The list of 25 semifinalists will be announced in April 2026, and the 10 finalists in June 2026, with a winner and finalists with distinction named in spring 2027. To learn more about the selection process and see a full list of eligible colleges, visit as.pn/prize.  

The Aspen Prize is generously funded by Ascendium Education Philanthropy and the Joyce Foundation.    

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 Founded in 1963, Kingsborough Community College is Brooklyn’s only community college and is part of the City University of New York (CUNY). Located on a 70-acre campus in Manhattan Beach, Kingsborough remains firmly committed to its mission of providing both liberal arts and career education, promoting student learning and development, as well as strengthening and serving its diverse community.  Kingsborough provides a high-quality education through associate degree programs that prepare students for transfer to senior colleges or entry into the workforce. Serving approximately 11,000 full- and part-time students annually and an additional 20,000 students in its expanding continuing education program, Kingsborough has earned recognition as a Leader College of Distinction for excellence in student success by Achieving the Dream and has been identified as a Top Community College in the nation by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program nine consecutive times. 

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 our website and follow us on LinkedIn,Bluesky, and X. 

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, D.C., and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.