SoLAcc in running for $1M Aspen Prize

South Louisiana Community College has once again been recognized among the nation’s best, earning a place as one of the Top 200 U.S. community colleges eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
This distinction, awarded by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, honors institutions demonstrating strong and improving student outcomes in areas such as retention, completion, transfer, and workforce success.
 This marks the fifth consecutive recognition for SoLAcc (2019, 2021, 2023, 2025, and now 2027), reflecting the College’s ongoing commitment to student success, community partnership, and workforce innovation.
 “We’re honored to once again be recognized among the nation’s top community colleges,” said Dr. Vincent June, chancellor of South Louisiana Community College.
This achievement represents the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students who live out our mission every day, creating opportunity, advancing talent, and driving the future of South Louisiana’s workforce. Recognition from the Aspen Institute affirms the true impact of the work happening across our campuses.”
 The Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, awarded every two years, is considered the nation’s premier recognition for community colleges. It highlights colleges that deliver strong and equitable student outcomes, both in the classroom and after graduation. This year’s eligible institutions were selected from nearly 1,000 community colleges across the country based on performance data in key areas of student success.
 “The Aspen Prize rewards colleges that achieve the kind of outcomes that actually matter to students, completing college degree programs that, in turn, lead to lifelong success,” said Josh Wyner, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “Aspen Prize winners offer a powerful message: Community colleges can deliver the kind of life-changing education that makes the American Dream real.”
 SoLAcc now moves forward in the Aspen Prize application process, which includes a rigorous review of student outcomes and institutional practices that promote equitable achievement. The final Aspen Prize winner will be announced in spring 2027 following multiple rounds of evaluation and site visits to the top 10 colleges nationwide.
 This recognition underscores SoLAcc’s leadership in delivering accessible, high-quality education that strengthens families, fuels regional economies, and builds brighter futures across Acadiana. For more information about the Aspen Prize, visit as.pn/prize.
South Louisiana Community College is a comprehensive community college that operates campuses in Abbeville, Crowley, Franklin, Lafayette, Morgan City, New Iberia, Opelousas, St. Martinville and Ville Platte.
The college serves approximately 12,000 students annually and offers an array of academic programs. Students earn associate degrees, technical diplomas, certificates, and industry-based certifications. The college was recognized as the “Best Community College in Louisiana” for 2023 by Intelligent.com and BestColleges.com, trusted resources for college rankings and higher education planning. The 2024–2025 Annual Report, highlighting SoLAcc’s impact and progress across Acadiana, is now live at solacc.edu/annualreport2025.