OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The College of Central Florida (CF) has been recognized as one of the top 150 colleges by the Aspen Institute and are eligible for a hefty prize.

CF officials said in a news release they are eligible to compete for a $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, which acknowledges accomplishments and performance at two-year colleges.

Those who are honored are recognized as some of the top colleges nationwide ‘having high improving levels of student success’ and stand out among over 1,000 community colleges.

“Recognition by the Aspen Institute reflects the commitment by CF faculty and staff to our students and our belief in the power of education to transform lives and enrich our community,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president.

It is the sixth time the college has made the list, according to CF officials.

CF is one of three colleges in Florida that made the list. The others are Broward College and Chipola College.

According to the institute, all of the colleges recognized have been invited to submit student success data, along with narratives about their strategies to achieve better and more equitable student outcomes.

“We continue to focus on what is best for our students and are looking forward to providing the additional documentation to show that we are one of the best colleges in the nation,” added Henningsen.

According to the release, out of the 150 eligible colleges, 25 semifinalists for the award will be announced in April of 2024.

“These 150 colleges have achieved high and improving levels of student success for all students, including those who are often failed by our institutions,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “We’re excited to learn over the coming months how they achieved that success so we can share the most impressive practices with others in the field.”

The winner of the Aspen Prize will be announced in spring 2025, along with the celebration of the ten finalists in Washington, D.C.

To see the full list of those recognized, and learn more about the selection process, click here.