College Excellence Program

What Colleges Do Matters

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.

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Our Impact

Since our inception in 2011, the College Excellence Program has had one central goal: advancing excellence and equity in student outcomes at institutions of higher education.

We advance that goal through multiple programs, including the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the American Talent Initiative, the Aspen Presidents and Rising Presidents Fellowships, Unlocking Opportunity, and a range of transfer initiatives designed to improve bachelor’s attainment for students who start in community college. Each year, our work engages hundreds of college leaders at universities and community colleges that educate millions of students nationwide.

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Discover effective strategies driving student success at top-performing community colleges recognized by the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

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The Transfer Playbook 2.0 highlights proven, adaptable strategies to help colleges close the gap between community college students’ aspirations and bachelor’s degree attainment—drawing on national research, college interviews, and standout models from the field.

Through Unlocking Opportunity, Aspen and CCRC are helping 10 community colleges scale reforms that increase student access to high-value programs leading to good jobs.

Highlighting the success of often-overlooked rural community colleges, this resource shares data-driven insights and real-world examples to help institutions improve student outcomes and expand opportunity.

With the right strategies and commitment, schools and colleges can expand access to high-quality dual enrollment programs and help more historically underserved students succeed in their path to higher education.

By showcasing key strategies from community colleges that excel in workforce success, The Workforce Playbook offers practical guidance for advancing student and regional economic mobility through strong programs, quality teaching, and community partnerships.