The Aspen Institute named Northeast Wisconsin Technical College as one of 25 semifinalists for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
The $1 million Aspen Prize is the nation’s signature recognition of community colleges that deliver value for their students.
“This recognition reflects what matters most to us – helping students build better futures for themselves and their families,” said Dr. Kristen Raney, president of NWTC.
The 25 semifinalists – which come from 20 states – were selected from nearly 1,000 institutions nationwide based on their outcomes data and collegewide practices aligned to achieving high and improving levels of student success. Aspen defines student success as achievement in learning and completion of a college credential, and by post-college success in the form of a good job or successful transfer and bachelor’s degree attainment.
The Aspen Prize is awarded every two years and recognizes excellence across a wide range of institutions, from Florida’s large, multi-campus Valencia College in 2011 to rural Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in 2025.
The complete list of semifinalists can be accessed at as.pn/prize
The Aspen Prize selection process began in October 2025, when Aspen identified 200 community colleges based on data demonstrating strong and improving student outcomes in key areas—including learning, completion, transfer leading to bachelor’s attainment, and workforce success—and invited them to apply. From there, 170 colleges submitted applications, which were reviewed by a selection committee of 15 higher education experts who evaluated each submission using both extensive data and narrative responses.
Aspen then interviewed the leadership teams from colleges receiving top scores, and 25 semifinalists were selected. In the coming weeks, the 15-member panel of experts will continue its review and narrow the field to 10 finalists, which will be announced in June. In fall 2026, teams of experts will conduct in-depth site visits to those 10 finalist colleges and review extensive data, including actual wage data for graduates. The Aspen Prize winner will be announced in April 2027.
