IHCC named one of nation?s best community colleges

OTTUMWA ? Indian Hills Community College has been selected as one of the nation?s top community colleges and is eligible to compete for a $1 million prize.

For the third consecutive time the honor has been awarded, IHCC is listed among the best community colleges and is able to compete for the biennial Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

Colleges from 37 different states will vie for the $1 million in a year-long research process into how well students learn, complete degrees and get jobs with competitive wages after graduating.

The selected colleges are asked to submit applications containing detailed data on degree/certificate completion, labor market outcomes and student learning outcomes. They must demonstrate that they deliver exceptional student results for all students.

?Community colleges have tremendous power to change lives, and their success will increasingly define our nation?s economic strength and the potential for social mobility for every American,? said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute for College Excellence Program. ?This competition is designed to spotlight the excellent work being done in the most effective community colleges, those that best help students obtain meaningful, high-quality education and training for competitive-wage jobs after college.?

After reviewing applications, a selection committee will identify approximately 50 community colleges, about one-third of the original number selected, for follow-up interviews. After that, the committee will choose 10 colleges to move forward as finalists for the Aspen Prize.

The winner will be announced in early 2015.