SWTJC Eligible for Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence

Uvalde, TX, November 6, 2023 - The Aspen Institute announced on Oct. 31 that Southwest Texas Junior College (SWTJC) has been selected as one of the top 150 institutions eligible to compete for the prestigious $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. This recognition is a testament to SWTJC's commitment to student success and equity.

The Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence is a highly sought-after national recognition acknowledging outstanding achievement and performance among America's community colleges. The selected colleges have demonstrated high levels of student success and equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students and those from lower-income backgrounds.

SWTJC President Dr. Hector Gonzales said, "We are honored and excited to be recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the top 150 community colleges in the nation. This recognition symbolizes the work and dedication of faculty and staff to enrich lives and advance growth in our region."

The Aspen Prize highlights community colleges that excel in five critical areas: teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor's attainment, workforce success, and equity for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.

The eligible colleges, representing the diversity and depth of the community college sector, serve as few as 230 students and as many as 57,000. They are in urban, rural, and suburban areas across 34 states.

SWTJC will now proceed to the next steps in an intensive data and practice review process. This process will culminate in the announcement of the Prize winner in spring 2025.

For more information and a complete list of the top 150 eligible institutions, please visit the Aspen Prize homepage at www.highered.aspeninstitute.org/aspen-prize/.