De Anza Eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence
We’re proud to share some exciting news: De Anza College has been named one of only 200 community colleges nationwide eligible to apply for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence — the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges.
This honor reflects De Anza’s strong outcomes in student learning, degree and transfer completion, workforce success
and equitable access. Eligibility alone places De Anza in the top tier of nearly 1,000 community colleges
evaluated by the Aspen Institute.
Our strength in these areas is shown by the fact that we've made the first cut in this competition three times before:
- in 2023 for the 2025 competition
- in 2021 for the 2023 competition
- in 2019 for the 2021 competition
The $1 million Aspen Prize is awarded to colleges that demonstrate exceptional commitment to student success and continuous improvement. De Anza’s inclusion among this year’s eligible colleges recognizes the dedication of our faculty, staff, administrators and students in creating an environment where every student can thrive.
Next we’ll submit an application and participate in a rigorous review process that will culminate in the naming of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2027.
Congratulations to the entire De Anza campus community! This is an honor earned by all of you. Your commitment to academic excellence and care for our students continues to make a notable difference.
Learn more about the Aspen Prize and the colleges recognized this year.
(Posted on Oct. 29, 2025)