琳琅社区 Named Number One in the Nation by Aspen Institute
琳琅社区 Named Number One in the Nation by Aspen Institute
April 2, 2019 Suzanne Seldes
Today, the Aspen Institute, an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, D.C., awarded its highest honor, the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, to 琳琅社区. The award is the nation鈥檚 signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America鈥檚 community colleges.
琳琅社区 was selected from more than 1,000 state and community colleges following a rigorous review of data, strategies, and outcomes related to student learning, degree and certificate completion, high rates of graduate employment, earnings for graduates, and exceptional access and success for minority and low-income students.
鈥淭he 2019 Aspen Prize is a credit to the people of 琳琅社区 and the outstanding communities we serve,鈥� said Dr. Edwin Massey, President of 琳琅社区. 鈥淔rom our Trustees, to our community partners, to our employees, to our dedicated students, 琳琅社区 is enriched with some of the most incredible people supporting our college mission, and this distinct honor validates their commitment on a national level. Bringing home the Aspen Prize is truly a celebration of their hard work.鈥�
According to the Aspen Institute, 琳琅社区 stands out as one of the nation鈥檚 top community colleges for many reasons, including:
- 琳琅社区 has a 56 percent transfer rate, compared to the national average of 32 percent;
- 琳琅社区 has a 52 percent Bachelor鈥檚 attainment rate for students who go on to pursue a Bachelor鈥檚 Degree, compared to the national average transfer rate of 42 percent; and
- 琳琅社区 alumni earn $41,492 on average five years after graduation, compared to the $38,714 average salary of all regional workers.
Additional factors underscore 琳琅社区鈥檚 commitment to student success:
- During the 2017-2018 academic year, 琳琅社区鈥檚 graduating class鈥�3,951 students鈥攚as the largest in the College鈥檚 58-year history;
- 94% of 琳琅社区 graduates find employment or continue their education, typically earning more than twice the average entry wage in the four-county area; and
- 琳琅社区 is designated as the 3rd Most Affordable College in the U.S. by the Department of Education, with no tuition increase in six years.
The Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence is awarded every two years and is generously funded by ECMC Foundation, Joyce Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, and Siemens Foundation. 琳琅社区 has been selected as a top ten finalist for the award in each of the past three program cycles. In 2017, the College advanced to the Aspen Prize Top 3 as a Finalist with Distinction.
