EFSC in Running for Community Colleges’ Top Prize

Eastern Florida State College has been recognized as one of the top 150 community colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute’s Community College Excellence program.

The Aspen Prize, which will be given in 2025, is the nation’s foremost recognition for high achievement and performance among America's community colleges.

The institutions were selected based on six performance criteria:

• Teaching and learning
• Certificate and degree completion
• Associate and baccalaurete degree attainment
• Workforce success
• Equitable access to the college
• Equitable outcomes for underrepresented students and students from low socio-economic backgrounds

Over the past decade, Eastern Florida State College has been considered a top community college by The Aspen Institute among more than 1,000 community colleges in the U.S.

The institution awarded the 2025 Aspen Prize will receive $1 million.

“These colleges represent the amazing potential of America’s thousand-plus community colleges as engines of prosperity and social mobility,” the Aspen Institute said Tuesday in announcing the top colleges.

Eastern Florida President Dr. Jim Richey responded to the college's Aspen nomination by stating that to be named amongst the best 150 community colleges in the nation truly illustrates EFSC’s commitment to excellence in academic programming and student services as well as our collaborative focus with local industry to train the skilled pipeline of workers of today and tomorrow for Florida’s Space Coast. 

He cited more than 25 Bachelor Degree tracks in Business, Healthcare, Computer Technology, and Education, along with a wealth of high-tech programs in fields such as aerospace, advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity — all supported by robust online learning opportunities and strong minority student academic support services.

“There has never been a better time to study at EFSC than right now. Our excellent faculty and staff strive every day to help students succeed and have them job-ready upon graduation,” said Richey.

“We also have business partnerships that provide students with internships and apprenticeships, state-of-the-art facilities with more under construction, and an unwavering belief in serving our community.”

The 150 colleges will be trimmed down to 10 finalists. Site visits will be conducted at those institutions before the winner is selected in the spring of 2025.

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