SJR State Among Country’s Top Community Colleges

St. Johns River State College stood out among the nation’s higher learning institutes, beating out 850 schools for a spot among the top 150 community colleges.

School officials announced the college’s accomplishment and that it is eligible to compete for $1 million from the Aspen Institute, an organization that strives to have people collaborate “to work toward a greater good,” according to Aspen’s website.

With more than 1,000 colleges considered, 14 Florida schools were named in the list, which was compiled based on five categories.

Aspen said the criteria include outstanding performances in “teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce success and equity for students of color, and students from low-income backgrounds.”

The designation grants SJR State to apply for $1 million from the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

Palatka college officials said it’s “the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges.”

In November, SJR State President Joe Pickens reflected on quality over quantity and the rewards hard work brings.

“A college doesn’t necessarily have to be bigger to be better,” he said in response to making the top 15. “We have proven that our size does not limit us in our mission to achieve academic excellence and make a difference in the communities we serve.”

Josh Wyner, executive director for the institute’s College Excellence Program, said in a time of “persistent inequity and workforce talent gaps,” the best community colleges are working hard to provide more degrees to a growing number of diverse students.

“Leaders of exceptional community colleges understand that achieving excellence requires expanding college access and increasing degree completion, but it doesn’t stop there,” Wyner said in a statement.

“They are committed to ensuring that all students — including students of color and those from low-income backgrounds — graduate with the skills needed to secure a job with family-sustaining wages or successfully transfer to and graduate from a university.”