News & Events News 2021 November NVC Nominated for Aspen Prize

NVC Nominated for $1 Million Aspen Prize

November 2, 2021

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(SAN ANTONIO, Texas) – Nov. 2, 2021 – Northwest Vista College is the only community college in San Antonio and one of eight in Texas that has been invited to compete for the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The recognition was announced Nov. 2 by the Aspen Institute.

Institutions chosen have a chance to compete for a $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, which is awarded every two years. The Aspen Prize is the nation’s highest recognition in community college education.

The only institutions that can apply for the national award dubbed by President Barack Obama as “the Oscars for great community colleges” are those that meet a rigorous criteria for showing excellence in student success data and are then invited to apply by the Aspen Institute. 

NVC is among 150 eligible institutions invited to apply for the Aspen Prize for 2023 out of a pool of more than 1,000 community colleges in the nation.   

“We are beyond honored to have Northwest Vista College not only represent the Alamo Colleges District but the state of Texas as they compete for the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence Award,” said Alamo Colleges Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Gene Sprague. “This reflects Northwest Vista College’s strong commitment to lift our community by having a focus on student success.”

The Aspen Prize honors colleges with outstanding achievement in five
critical areas:

  • Teaching and learning
  • Certificate and degree completion
  • Transfer and bachelor’s attainment
  • Workforce success
  • Equity for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds

“Northwest Vista College is committed to student achievement and every faculty and staff member strives for excellence to support students in their educational journey from enrollment to graduation,” said NVC President Dr. Ric Baser.

This is the third time in a row – 2019, 2021 and 2023 – that Northwest Vista College has been invited to participate for this national award. San Antonio College received the Aspen Prize this year and can apply again after 2023. Palo Alto College was named a Rising Star of the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

The 2023 Aspen Prize is made possible through the generous support of Ascendium and the Joyce Foundation. Finalists will be announced in 2023.

Contact:

Renata Serafin, M.A., APR, CDMP, PCM

Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications

About Northwest Vista College:  

Northwest Vista College (NVC), part of the Alamo Colleges District, is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution. The college opened in 1995 with 12 students and has grown to one of the largest institutions of higher education in San Antonio and the region with current enrollment exceeding 17,000 students. Located in Westover Hills, NVC’s expanding agreements with business and higher education partnerships provide a wealth of opportunities for students and the community.

NVC was the only community college in San Antonio and one of eight in Texas that was invited in 2021 to compete for the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s highest recognition in community college education. The Aspen Prize recognizes excellence in teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce success as well as equity for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.

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