Featured – 91Թ 91Թ Thu, 25 Jun 2026 22:22:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 /wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cropped-wmcc-logo-2-32x32.png Featured – 91Թ 32 32 91Թ Graduates Seven Individuals at the Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility /white-mountains-community-college-graduates-seven-individuals-at-the-northern-new-hampshire-correctional-facility/ Thu, 25 Jun 2026 22:21:44 +0000 /?p=21566

Berlin, N.H. (June 18, 2026) – On May 20, seven incarcerated individuals earned associate degrees in Business Administration and Liberal Arts through a partnership between 91Թ (91Թ), the New Hampshire Department of Corrections (NHDOC) and Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility (NNHCF).

The program began in March 2023 to prepare individuals for life and employment after release, support rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and enhance facility safety. Students are enrolled in classes full-time with onsite instruction from 91Թ faculty four evenings per week, using the same curriculum offered at the college. The 2026 graduating class marks the second formal graduation at NNHCF – last year, the inaugural class of 16 individuals earned degrees bringing the total to 23 since the program’s inception.

The ceremony was held in the gymnasium of the NNHCF with nearly 100 people in attendance, including graduates and their families, faculty and staff from 91Թ, the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) and NHDOC. 91Թ President Sarmad Saman welcomed attendees, noting that the NNHCF serves as another campus for 91Թ and that students receive the same academic opportunity and rigor, along with access to advising that helps students complete degree programs.

“91Թ students are our students regardless of whether classes are taken at the Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility, our Berlin campus or Littleton academic center,” Saman said. “They receive the same care, attention, support and level of academics to assist them in meeting their goals. 91Թ’s mission is to provide education to anyone who seeks it and this program is a clear example of that, using education as a light that brightens the paths of our communities.”

Earlier this year, 91Թ transitioned from the Second Chance Pell Program to a permanent Prison Education Program, receiving approval from NHDOC, the New England Commission of Higher Education and the U.S. Department of Education based on its alignment with NHDOC’s rehabilitation goals and 91Թ’s educational mission.

Nicholas Duffy, director of rehabilitative services with NHDOC, delivered congratulatory remarks on behalf of the department. “What you have accomplished today is about far more than earning a degree. It reflects perseverance, discipline, and a commitment to personal growth in the face of significant challenges. Through education, you have invested in your future and demonstrated that transformation is possible. Your success shows that resilience can overcome adversity and that no one is defined solely by the most difficult chapter of their life. Today, you are graduates, scholars, and proof that growth and change are possible,” Duffy said.

91Թ currently offers associate degree pathways in Business Administration and Liberal Arts and has partnered with the University of New Hampshire to establish a bachelor’s completion pathway for program alumni beginning in fall 2026. Through its strong partnership with the NHDOC, the college continues to expand educational opportunities for incarcerated learners and is preparing to introduce a Behavioral Science Certificate and extend programming to the New Hampshire Correctional Facility for Women.

91Թ
91Թ is located in Berlin, New Hampshire, with an academic center in Littleton, and is one of seven colleges in the Community College System of New Hampshire. 91Թ offers associate degree and certificate programs and workforce training. Credits transfer to four-year colleges and universities in New Hampshire and across the country. 91Թ is fully accredited by NECHE and offers the most affordable tuition in New Hampshire.

###

]]> Governor Recognizes “Early College Advocate” from Groveton High School /governor-recognizes-early-college-advocate-from-groveton-high-school/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:56:19 +0000 /?p=21546
Michelle Larcomb (R), a math teacher from Groveton High School, was named the 91Թ Early College Advocate for her advocacy, innovation and commitment to the program. Standing next to her is Ryan Richard (L), White Mountain Community College’s Early College coordinator.

Governor Recognizes “Early College Advocate” from Groveton High School
Proclaims May “Early College Month” in NH

Concord, NH (May 26, 2026) – Governor Kelly Ayotte issued a proclamation identifying May as Early College Month in New Hampshire. Through its , the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) provides opportunities for high school students to earn college credit at low or no cost to New Hampshire families. At a State House event, CCSNH and the Governor recognized seven high school partnersas “Early College Advocates” forpromoting the programto students. 

Michelle Larcomb, a math teacher from Groveton High School, was recognized for her efforts to grow the Early College program and broaden access for Northumberland students. She was named the 91Թ Early College Advocate for her advocacy,innovationand commitment to the program.

“Early college programs at New Hampshire’s community colleges enable thousands of high school students each year to earn college credit, save on college costs, and gain the confidence to thrive in postsecondary education and in careers,” said Governor Ayotte.

CCSNH’s Early College programs help students get ahead academically by earning dual high school and college credit while reducing college costs and debt. This year, 11,100 students from 125 high schools enrolled in Early College and earned 18,552 college credits. Through recent investments by the governor and state Legislature, students and families are expected to save at least $15 million in future college costs through CCSNH’s Early College program.

“Early Collegeenablesmotivated students to pursue academically challenging courses and lessen the barrier of cost and the burden of debt that might otherwise inhibit them from pursuing postsecondary education that is critical to their futures and to New Hampshire’s,” said Mark Rubinstein, CCSNH chancellor. “This is only possible through a partnership with these talented educators and with the strong support CCSNH receives from the State of New Hampshire.”

At the May 20 proclamation ceremony, CCSNH and Governor Ayotte recognized Larcomb as the 91Թ Early College Advocate, as well as the following Early College Advocates from across the state:  

  • Great Bay Community College: Jaclyn Chisholm, Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, Portsmouth High School
  • Lakes Region Community College: Cheryl Dore-Chapman, School Counselor, FranklinHigh School
  • Manchester Community College: James Choquette, Social Studies Teacher, Londonderry High School
  • Nashua Community College: Stacey Kallelis,Career-Connected Learning Coordinator, Salem High School
  • NHTI-Concord’s Community College: Jessamyn Rockwell, Extended Learning Opportunities Coordinator, Concord High School
  • River Valley Community College: Kim Gogan, Flexible Pathways Coordinator, Windsor High School

###

About CCSNH
The Community College System of New Hampshire consists of seven colleges offering associate degree and certificate programs, professional training, transfer pathways to four-year degrees and dual-credit partnerships with N.H.high schools. Colleges include Great BayCommunity College in Portsmouth; Lakes Region Community College in Laconia; Manchester Community College; Nashua Community College; NHTI – Concord’s Community College; River Valley Community College in Claremont,Lebanonand Keene; and 91Թ in Berlin and Littleton. CCSNH serves more than 25,000 students statewide, providing affordable access toa high-quality education. For more information, visit CCSNH.edu.

]]> 91Թ Receives Competitive Grant to Expand Higher Education in Prison Programming /wmcc-receives-competitive-grant-to-expand-higher-education-in-prison-programming/ Mon, 29 Sep 2025 18:35:07 +0000 /?p=20899

91Թ Receives Competitive Grant to Expand Higher Education in Prison Programming

91Թ (91Թ) was one of five New England institutions to receive a $100,000 grant in August 2025 to expand access to higher education in prison programming and support re-entry after incarceration. The grant was awarded through the New England Prison Education Collaborative (NEPEC), a five-year initiative funded by Ascendium Education Group to implement recommendations from a from the New England Board of Higher Education on the future of higher education in prison.

91Թ began offering liberal arts and business administration associate degree programs at the Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility (NNHCF) in Berlin in March 2023. In May 2025, the first cohort of students graduated with their degrees in a ceremony attended by over 100 people. That month, the New Hampshire Department of Corrections (NHDOC) honored 91Թ as Community Partner of the Year for its success in expanding higher education to NNHCF.

The NEPEC Accelerator Grant will fund the expansion of the 91Թ program to the New Hampshire Correctional Facility for Men and the New Hampshire Correctional Facility for Women in Concord, with instruction delivered in collaboration with NHTI-Concord’s Community College. 91Թ will hire a Prison Education Project Director to facilitate the expansion efforts. The director will also collaborate with the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) to create a pathway to a bachelor’s degree through credit transfers from the associate degree programs that will eventually be offered at all three state prisons.

“The NEPEC grant will build on the success of our efforts at NNHCF to provide more inmates with the tools they need to improve their lives and that of their families and communities. Securing the grant is a huge accomplishment for 91Թ Prison Education Program staff and the result of their tremendous work and dedication,” said Sarmad Saman, President of 91Թ.

91Թ’s program is approved by the NH Department of Education and authorized by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as a Second Chance Pell Program (SCP), which allows incarcerated individuals to apply for and use federal Pell Grants to pay for classes. In most cases, the federal grants cover the full cost of the students’ courses.

Leah Maciejewski, Vice President of Academic Affairs at 91Թ, said that academic courses for the prison programs were carefully selected to ensure that they could be taught without access to the Internet and would open doors to careers available to graduates with criminal convictions. “The goal is supporting the development of empowerment and agency with the students who are involved in these courses, which is what we want for all of our students throughout the community college system,” she told New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR).

The grant will complement efforts that are already underway in New Hampshire to enhance educational programming in NHDOC facilities. The (CEVPG), which was created through legislation in 2024, aims to enhance career and educational programming within NHDOC to improve facility safety, public safety, reduce recidivism rates, and bolster employability and self-efficacy among incarcerated individuals. Some of the key partners represented this planning group are NHDOC, CCSNH, New England Board of Higher Education, and USNH.

In addition to 91Թ, NEPEC Accelerator Grants were awarded to Boston College in Massachusetts, Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, Roger Williams University in Rhode Island and Washington County Community College in Maine. This is the first of three years of planned Accelerator Grant awards.

]]> 91Թ Now Offering AWS Welding Certification Services to the Public /white-mountains-community-college-now-offering-aws-welding-certification-services-to-the-public/ Tue, 23 Sep 2025 19:31:09 +0000 /?p=20881
Don Arguin, ATF Coordinator at 91Թ, in the welding lab. (Photo courtesy of 91Թ)

91Թ Now Offering AWS Welding Certification Services to the Public

91Թ only accredited testing facility in New Hampshire

Berlin, N.H. (September 23, 2025)— 91Թ (91Թ) in Berlin, New Hampshire has launched American Welding Society (AWS) certification services for both students enrolled in the college’s welding program and the general public. 91Թ’s Accredited Test Facility (ATF) is led by Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) who evaluate the strength, quality, and integrity of completed welds to assess a welder’s skill level and ensure they meet the AWS requirements.

“AWS certification is a portable credential that helps prove that an individual has the required skillset to do a job well. It opens doors to jobs and is a path to higher wages,” said Don Arguin, ATF coordinator at 91Թ. “In many cases – such as government contracts – certification is required.”

Funding from a 2019–2025 Northern Borders Regional Commission grant supported the creation and initial infrastructure of the ATF at 91Թ. This investment laid the groundwork for New Hampshire’s first AWS accredited test facility, establishing 91Թ as a critical resource for industry and a foundation for expanding regional technical training. Funding received in the New Hampshire state budget approved by the governor and legislature enabled 91Թ to expand program infrastructure so welding certification services could be offered to the public, bolstering the welding workforce and facilitating a broad range of projects that rely on certified welders.

“There are training programs for welders that have Certified Welding Inspectors for their own students, but they are not open to the public. When a large program that provided certifications out of Bangor, Maine recently closed, there was a real need for an ATF that is open to all. We stepped up to fill the gap and serve both our own students and the community,” Annette Cole, manager of Workforce Development at 91Թ explained.

As part of 91Թ’s Workforce Education program, the ATF is available for a broad range of certifications ranging from common applications – such as pipe and structural steel welding – to custom work.

The ATF began serving high school welding classes even before its official public opening. “We have had busloads of students come for certifications. They will graduate high school with baseline certifications that give them an edge in the job market or a leg up before continuing their welding education,” Cole said.

For more information about 91Թ’s ATF and welding certification services, please visit 91Թ.edu/ATF.

About 91Թ
91Թ (91Թ) was founded in 1966 as part of the Community College System of New Hampshire. With a main campus in Berlin and academic center in Littleton, 91Թ offers accredited associate degree and certificate programs along with flexible day, evening, and online courses that prepare students for the workforce or transfer to four-year institutions. Serving about 1,000 students annually, the college provides high-quality education in fields such as nursing, welding, culinary arts, and advanced technologies, while working closely with regional employers to meet local workforce needs. Recognized as one of the top 150 U.S. community colleges eligible for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, 91Թ continues to fulfill its mission of affordability, accessibility, and enriching the communities of New Hampshire’s North Country.

]]> 91Թ Honored as Community Partner of the Year by NH Department of Corrections for Prison Education Programming /white-mountains-community-college-honored-as-community-partner-of-the-year-by-nh-department-of-corrections-for-prison-education-programming/ Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:29:41 +0000 /?p=20603

Berlin, N.H. (July 18, 2025) – 91Թ (91Թ) received the Community Partner of The Year Award from the New Hampshire Department of Corrections (NHDOC) for its work with the Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility (NNHCF) to provide opportunities for students to enroll in a course of study and earn associate degrees through the college. This foundational partnership culminated in the first-ever graduation ceremony in the facility recently for the inaugural cohort of students, who received degrees in Business and Liberal Arts.

Goals of the program include helping to prepare participants for life and employment post-release, but are also centered on rehabilitation, reducing recidivism and enhancing facility safety. The 91Թ NHDOC Prison Education Program model is also the basis for a planned expansion of the program at a second Community College System of NH (CCSNH) College – NHTI – Concord’s Community College. The goal is to provide similar programming within the two corrections facilities in the city serving men and women.

The program began in March 2023. Participants were enrolled in classes full-time and received onsite instruction by 91Թ faculty, using the same curriculum offered at the college. Two more cohorts of 26 individuals are currently enrolled in the program.

The ceremony was held in the gym of the NNHCF with over 100 people in attendance including the graduates, their families, faculty and staff from 91Թ, CCSNH and the NHDOC. 91Թ President Sarmad Saman welcomed attendees, noting the NNHCF serves as another campus for 91Թ and that students are given the same academic opportunity and rigor, with access to counseling and advice that helps students complete their programming.

“Our mission is to change lives and make sure we have an educated workforce that will improve our economy – your success is our success,” Saman said.

The program was envisioned and modeled several years ago. 91Թ received approval from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as a Second Chance Pell Program (SCP), which allows incarcerated individuals to apply for federal Pell Grants to pay for classes. In 2024, the NHDOC formally approved the Prison Education Program proposal, noting its alignment with both NHDOC’s rehabilitation goals and 91Թ’s educational mission.

Nicholas Duffy, director of rehabilitative services with NHDOC, delivered congratulatory remarks on behalf of the department. “You are trailblazers. Real growth comes from perseverance. You turned challenges into stepping stones and adversity into opportunity. Graduation is impressive, but doing so in prison takes more – it means seeing beyond these walls around you and beyond the stigma,” he said.

Commencement ceremonies at the facility are expected to become annual going forward as the effort gains momentum. Legislation passed in New Hampshire 2024 to create a Corrections Education and Vocational Planning Group (CEVPG) will help support program expansion based on key goals. The CEVPG aims to enhance career and educational programming within NHDOC to improve facility safety, public safety, reduce recidivism rates and bolster employability and self-efficacy among incarcerated individuals. Key partners include NHDOC, CCSNH, New England Board of Higher Education, and the University System of New Hampshire.

91Թ (91Թ) is located in Berlin, New Hampshire with a satellite campus in Littleton, and is one of seven colleges in the Community College System of New Hampshire. 91Թ offers associate degree and certificate programs, plus training options, preparing students for 21st century job opportunities as well as transfer pathways to four-year colleges and universities. 91Թ is fully accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Courses within 91Թ and the Community College System are the most affordable in New Hampshire and the Littleton Academic Center increases access to all students in the North Country Region. Courses are available day, evening and online. 91Թ courses transfer to four-year colleges and universities in New Hampshire and across the country.

]]> New IT Cybersecurity Certificate at 91Թ /new-it-cybersecurity-certificate-at-wmcc/ Fri, 10 May 2024 13:07:47 +0000 /?p=19438

91Թ (91Թ) has announced an updated, fully online certificate program in IT Cybersecurity. 91Թ is partnering with CompTIA, the industry leading trade association and certification body, to provide the latest in cybersecurity training. In addition to the 91Թ certificate, students will be prepared for 5 different CompTIA certifications: the industry recognized CompTIA A+, Network+, Linux+, Security+ and CompTIA’s most in-depth security credential the Cybersecurity Analyst certification. Complete training, unlimited practice exams and one free certification exam are included with each course. The program requires no pre-requisite skills or knowledge and can be completed on whatever schedule is convenient for the student.

The certificate program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to be successful in the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. With the help of CompTIA’s innovative technology, students will have access to a wide range of simulations and practical exercises that will allow them to develop their skills and gain valuable experience. All courses are fully online with most using CompTIA’s industry-leading simulation architecture TestOut so students can work around their existing busy schedule. The program is available as both a one-year full-time path and a two-year part-time path, using 8-week intensive courses. The shorter courses allow students to take the four cybersecurity keystone courses (that build on each other) in 9 months for those looking for a fast-track professional certification.

Furthermore, students who successfully complete the certificate program will have the opportunity to seamlessly transfer to an associate degree program at neighboring Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) through our 1+1 agreement or continue with other four-year institutions. This will allow students to continue their education in a related field and potentially open new career opportunities. With this program, 91Թ is helping to ensure that students in rural communities have access to high-quality educational programs that will prepare them for the demands of the modern workforce. Enrollment for the program is already open. Please visit wmcc.edu for more information.

####

]]> Advanced Technology Building Ribbon Cutting /advanced-technology-building-ribbon-cutting/ Mon, 06 May 2024 18:32:07 +0000 /?p=19433

April 2024 marks the opening of the 91Թ Advanced Technology Building at the Littleton Academic Center. The Advanced Technology Building brings workforce opportunities by providing high-demand programs in the North Country.

Melanie Robbins, 91Թ interim President, opened the building in style with plasma cutting in place of a traditional ribbon cutting. The opening of the Advanced Technology Building provides state of the art technology and resources to 91Թ’s current programs including Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology and Welding Technology while developing new opportunities for growth with training opportunities in Power Generation including electric vehicle technology and other emerging fields.

The Advanced Technology Building has been made possible by generous donations from industry partners and through community support.

]]> 91Թ Interview with 97.3 Mountain Country /wmcc-interview-with-97-3-mountain-country/ Mon, 22 Jan 2024 21:44:01 +0000 /?p=19234
]]> Fall 2023 Academic Honors /fall-2023-academic-honors/ Mon, 22 Jan 2024 14:20:08 +0000 /?p=19225

Congratulations to all students who have achieved academic honors in the Fall 2023 semester!

The President’s List (High Honors) recognizes matriculated students earning a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher.

The Vice President’s List (Honors)recognizes matriculated students earning a cumulative GPA of 3.3 to 3.74.

President’s List

James Abbott
Arlene Allard
Haylee Bacon
Christina Bagnaschi
Timothy Bartlett
Jonathan Beaulieu
Cheyenne Berube
Madison Bijeau
Kayla Bisson
Deanne Bodemer
Mark Bonta
Nicole Bradford
Rayelinn Bromley
Natalie Brown
Angel Bryant
Megan Campbell
Brianna Chabot
William Cope
Christopher Corey
Cynthia Costello
Kimberly Crawford
Mackenzie Crawford
Travis Currier
Tara Curtis
Sara Danoski
Alyssa Delafontaine
Evan Dickson
Ayla Dorsett
Glendon Drolet
Andrew Dufresne
Noah Dutkewych
Julie Ernst
Robert Fehr
Terri Fillion
Abby Fillion
Margaret Frostholm
Rita Gesel
Ethan Gifford
Jonathan Gilcris
Brandon Gordon
Amber Grady
John Gray
Amy Greene
Jessica Grenier
Joshua Guay
Detlef Hagge
Melissa Hall
Nathan Hamilton
Amanda Haselton
Bessie Haynes
Lisa Hebert
Leilani Heng
Thomas Herlihy
Lucas Heuring
Brenna Humphrey
Angela Janes
Michael Johnson
Masey Kahan
Kayte Kostinden
Lindsay Lapp
Hillary Leavitt
Ryan Lyons
Patrick Mcnail
Martin Mekina
Casandra Mercer
Michael Mercier
Caroline Middendorf
Ruth Missfeldt
Kyle Ovitt
Stacia Page
Brandon Perlo
Christian Ramsey
Isyss Remillard
Amy Richard
Sara Rodriguez
Samantha Royer
Emily Schafermeyer
Stefan Shapiro
John Smith
Keara Smith
Maggie Smyth
Rafael Soto
Sandra Sprecher
Jeffrey Stein
Naomi Stoddard
Natalya Stone
Steven Stowell
Isabelle Strachan
Jason Tenney
Vikki Thelemarck
Tanner Thompson
Vikki Tinkham
Michael Tiska
Justin Tupick
Jon Twiss
Ronald Viger
Hollie Walters
Leah Wheeler
Julie Wilber
Nicholas Wilson
Allison Winchester
Felicity Winters
Olivia Woods

Vice President’s List

Megan Ames
Duane Anctil
Alexandra Antonucci
Charles Astuto
Weylin Barrett
Elizabeth Barros
Leanne Bernier
Joey Blanchard
Caitlin Bloomgren
Jennifer Bolton
Thomas Bouchie
Rayna Bourbeau
Tatyanna Bragdon
Adrien Brehany
Merissa Brown
Tiffany Burbank-Fitzger
Jessica Burton
Draegon Cammons
Kyra Carbee
Holly Charland
Carolyn Christman
Kaitlyn Clark
Mackenna Cote
Lillian Couture
Ashley Dixon Ellis
Vincent Dude
Madison Fillion
Nadia Fitzsimmons
Maegan Fortin
Julie Fowler
Caden Fregeau
Jada Fysh
Gisella Gambino
Mae Gesel
Susan Gesel
Nilia Gonzalez
Tearyn Greene
Emma Guerard
Georgia Hadley
Kaeli Hammill
Joseph Higginson
Charlie Hinrichs
Susan Hirtle
Samantha Howe
Kameron Huntoon
Tatum Illsley
Jackson Ingerson
Cassandra Irish
Kristen Jones
Tombe Isaac Kenyi
Ryan Labrecque
Adam Lacross
Kristina Lambert
Kyleigh Lang
Ellen Law
Travis Lemieux
Annabelle Light
Aidan McAllaster
Caeley McCarthy
Constance McKearney
Gineva McKenzie – Prou
Ashton McMahon
Sarah Medeiros
Isobel Micucci
Matthew Mignone
Emma Mitulski
Darin Moody
Kendall Morse
Ruthanne Murray
Leslie O’Dell
Katrina Pineo
Liam Ragnarsson
Bailey Reed
Anna Roberts
Anna Roy
Rebekah Sewell
Keegan Smith
Patricia Souliere
Ashleigh Stanley
Jenny Stark
Allen Stevens
Gianna Temkkit
Angela Thornton
Lauren Tyler
Thomas Vashel
Alexandra Walker
Adam Warner
Aiden Whiting
Rachael Willey
Charly Williams
Bethlynn Wilson
Sarah Woods
Timothy Woodward

]]> The Aspen Institute Names 91Թ as a Top 150 U.S.Community Colleges Eligible for the 2025 Aspen Prize /wmcc-eligible-for-2025-aspen-prize/ Thu, 09 Nov 2023 16:21:38 +0000 /?p=19174

$1 Million Prize Recognizes Excellence in Equitable Outcomes for Students in and After College

CONTACT: Tatiana Johnson, 202-736-3538, tatiana.johnson@aspeninstitute.org
Laura Bisulca, 603-342-3024, lbisulca@ccsnh.edu

WASHINGTON D.C., October 31, 2023 – Today, the Aspen Institute named 91Թ as one of the 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The institutions selected for this honor stand out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high and improving levels of student success as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students and those from lower-income backgrounds.

“91Թ is honored to be among the 150 community colleges nationwide that have been invited to apply for the 2025 Aspen Prize, and we are proud to be the sole representative in New England,” said Melanie Robbins, Interim President of 91Թ. “This invitation itself is a testament to our institution’s performance and commitment to students.”

The Aspen Prize spotlights exemplary community colleges in order to drive attention to colleges achieving post-graduate success for all students, and is a central way Aspen researches highly effective student success strategies that are shared with the field. The 150 eligible colleges have been invited to submit student success data and narratives about strategies to achieve better and more equitable student outcomes as the next step in an intensive review process that culminates in the naming of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2025. The eligible colleges represent the diversity and depth of the community college sector. Located in urban, rural, and suburban areas across 30 states, these colleges serve as few as 169 students and as many as 49,619.

“The Aspen Prize is rooted first and foremost in an assessment of whether colleges are walking the walk,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “As community colleges face enrollment variations, enroll students with pandemic-related learning loss, and graduate students into a rapidly changing labor market, it is easy to lose track of what matters most. The best community colleges are continuing to focus on advancing the core mission: making sure as many students as possible graduate with credentials that lead to fulfilling careers and reflect the development of diverse talent that communities, states, and our nation need.”

While community colleges are an essential contributor to our nation’s success, student outcomes vary substantially among institutions. Aspen measures those variances using multiple data sources and honors colleges with outstanding achievement in six critical areas: teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce success, equitable access to the college, and equitable outcomes for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.

“These 150 colleges have achieved high and improving levels of student success for all students, including those who are often failed by our institutions,” Wyner said. “We’re excited to learn over the coming months how they achieved that success so we can share the most impressive practices with others in the field.”

In this first round, eligibility for the Aspen Prize is based on publicly available data. Colleges must show strong, improving, and equitable student outcomes in first-to-second year retention, credentials awarded, and completion and transfer rates. Nationwide, about 15 percent of community colleges have been invited to apply (150 of just under 1,000 public two-year colleges assessed for Prize eligibility). The full list can be accessed on the .

The next steps in the process include:

  • April 2024: Announcement of 25 semifinalists, selected based on assessments of extensive data and strategy documents by the Prize selection panel, a group of 16 experts in community colleges, higher education, and workforce training, and interviews with institutional leadership teams
  • June 2024: Announcement of 10 finalists, selected by the Prize selection panel
  • Fall 2024: Site visits to each of the ten finalists, during which the Aspen Institute and partners will collect additional information, including employment and earnings data and insights about promising practices
  • January 2025: Prize award decisions made by distinguished, independent Prize jury at full-day meeting
  • Spring 2025: Announcement of the Aspen Prize winner and celebration of the 10 finalists in Washington DC

For a full list of the top 150 eligible institutions and to read more on the selection process, visit
.

####

The Aspen Prize is generously funded by Ascendium, the Joyce Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, and the Kresge Foundation.

Previous winners are:

  • 2023: Amarillo College (TX) and Imperial Valley College (CA)
  • 2021: San Antonio College (TX)
  • 2019: Indian River State College (FL) and Miami Dade College (FL)
  • 2017: Lake Area Technical Institute (SD)
  • 2015: Santa Fe College (FL)
  • 2013: Santa Barbara City College (CA) and Walla Walla Community College (WA)
  • 2011: Valencia College (FL)

Note: Colleges that have won the Aspen Prize are not eligible to apply in subsequent years

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program supports colleges and universities in their quest to achieve a higher standard of excellence, delivering credentials that unlock life-changing careers and strengthen our economy, society, and democracy. We know it takes visionary college leaders to lead scaled, sustainable reforms, and we make it our mission to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and research-backed tools to inspire change, shift practice, and advance the capacity of colleges to deliver excellent and equitable student outcomes. For more information, visit and follow us on and .

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, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit .

]]>