FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
PRESS OFFICE
(850) 245-0413
BROWARD AND SANTA FE COLLEGES NAMED FINALISTS
FOR PRESTIGIOUS ASPEN PRIZE
– Award focuses on role of colleges in student success and job training –
Tallahassee, Fla., September 5, 2012– Florida is one of only two states in the nation to have multiple finalists in the top ten schools vying for the 2013 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Broward College and Santa Fe College were named finalists today by The Aspen Institute for the highly esteemed prize that recognizes outstanding outcomes in learning, completion rates for degree and certificate programs, minority and low-income student success, and employment after college.
“My number one priority is creating jobs and getting people back to work,” said Florida Governor Rick Scott. “These two colleges have shown that they are a dynamic part of Florida’s efforts to build a solid economy.”
The Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence seeks to recognize community colleges with outstanding academic and workforce outcomes in both absolute performance and improvements over time. The selected colleges must demonstrate that students in their schools gained essential knowledge and skills, completed degree or certificate programs, and obtained jobs with competitive wages. Valencia College in Orlando was the winner last year.
“Postsecondary education and training are essential for economic growth, both in Florida and across the nation,” said Florida College System Chancellor Randy Hanna. “I am proud that two of our state’s colleges are being honored for their student’s academic success and the vital role they play in Florida’s economy.”
The two schools were named in the second round of competition for a part of the $1 million prize to reward excellence at two-year institutions that have outstanding academic and workforce outcomes. Florida led the nation with 14 of the 120 institutions deemed eligible to apply for the prize in the first round. The winner and finalists with distinction will be named in March 2013.
For more information about The Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, visit The Aspen Institute.
###
About the Florida Department of Education: The department’smission is to increase the proficiency of all students within one seamless, efficient education system by providing them the chance to expand their knowledge and skills through world-class learning opportunities. Serving more than 3.5 million students, 4,200 public schools, 28 colleges, 188,000 teachers, 47,000 college professors and administrators, and 318,000 full-time staff throughout the state, the department enhances the economic self-sufficiency of Floridians through programs and services geared toward college, workforce education, job-specific skills and career development. Florida ranks first in the nation for teacher quality, first in the nation in advanced placement participation, and first in the southern region for graduation rate and degrees awarded by the Florida College System. For more information, visit