De Anza College has been named one of 200 community colleges nationwide eligible to compete for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
Awarded every two years by the Aspen Institute, the $1 million Aspen Prize honors colleges that demonstrate outstanding outcomes in student learning, degree and certificate completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce success and equitable access to education.
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to strengthen higher education leadership and practice to improve student outcomes. De Anza has made the first cut in this competition three times before: in 2023 for the 2025 competition; in 2021 for the 2023 competition; and in 2019 for the 2021 competition. The Cupertino college will now have the opportunity to apply for the 2027 Aspen Prize.
Eligibility for the Aspen Prize is based on a review of nearly 1,000 community colleges across the United States. Past winners have demonstrated leadership in helping students learn, complete credentials, transfer to four-year institutions and secure strong jobs after graduation.
“This recognition speaks to the dedication of our faculty, staff, administrators and students, and to the strength of De Anza’s culture of continuous improvement,” said Omar Torres, president of De Anza College. “We are honored to be recognized among the nation’s leading community colleges for our commitment to equitable student achievement.”