Hazard Community and Technical College among 200 schools eligible for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence

Hazard Community and Technical College (or HCTC) was recently named as one of 200 community colleges in America by the Aspen Institute as eligible to go for the coveted $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

Hazard Community and Technical College provides higher education opportunities to students  in Wolfe, Perry, Owsley, Leslie, Lee, Knott, and Breathitt Counties.

The Aspen Prize serves as a way to recognize the performance and achievements of two year colleges across the country. HCTC was chosen to compete for this award based on a number of factors such as completion, transfer, and degree attainment rates, retention, and other student outcomes data.

In an article posted on Hazard Community and Technical College’s website, Dr. Jennifer Lindon, who serves as the school’s President and Chief Executive Officer, was quoted about this opportunity, saying, “HCTC provides access to education that supports community, economic and workforce development across our region. I am incredibly grateful for the contributions of our faculty and staff members and the work they do in support of our students. Through academic rigor and relevant training, we prepare students for the next step, whether that's university transfer or direct entry into the workforce. This recognition reflects our mission to strengthen southeastern Kentucky through education.”

All of the 200 schools were selected based on the aforementioned student data as it reflects a quantifiable observation of students' success and outcomes after graduation.

The executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, Josh Wyner, was quoted about the prize, saying, “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. Aspen Prize winners offer a powerful message: Community colleges can deliver the kind of life-changing education that makes the American Dream real.”

Of the 200 eligible schools, those wishing to be considered for the prize money will submit applications before participating in a review process. The winner of the Aspen Prize will be announced in the spring of next year.

A full list of the 200 eligible schools as well as more information on the Aspen Prize and the selection process can be found on the Aspen Institute’s website.

More information about Hazard Community and Technical College can be found on the school’s website here.