The Aspen Institute announced Tuesday the two winners of its prestigious $1 million Prize for Community College Excellence, and the Sunshine State boasts two of its own Broward College and Santa Fe College among the top 10 finalists.
I am very proud the Aspen Institute recognized two Florida colleges as top 10 in the nation, said Florida College System Chancellor Randy Hanna in a statement released by the Florida Department of Education.
"This announcement comes on the heels of a study that shows the Florida College system has a $26.6 billion economic impact on the state, with a 16.8 percent return on investment for our students. Our system is committed to providing affordable, high-quality education, and this award confirms we are living up to that commitment."
The prize recognizes community colleges that demonstrate students in their colleges gained essential knowledge and skills, completed degree or certificate programs, and obtained jobs with competitive wages.
"Our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community are proud that Broward College is a top 10 institution and that we have twice been recognized by the Aspen Institute as being in the top 10 percent of community colleges in America in previous years," said Broward College President David Armstrong in the same statement.
"We are committed to continuing our work that is leading to even greater student success outcomes and to positively transforming the lives of our students and the fabric of our community."
In a message to Santa Fe College faculty and staff, President Dr. Jackson N. Sasser said,We are highly honored to be in the company of such august colleagues. He went on to thank faculty and and staff for their part in helping the college achieve the top 10 status, saying, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you and thank you for all that you accomplish each day. We are very grateful to have been recognized by the Aspen Institute.
The co-winners for the 2013 prize are Walla Walla Community College and Santa Barbara City College.
Reach Eric Giunta at egiunta@sunshinestatenews.com or at (954) 235-9116.
