WKCTC named to Aspen list of top 150 community colleges again

WKCTC has again been named among the top 150 schools that could win the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, but they won't be participating. 

Every two years, the Aspen Institute awards the top college with a $1 million prize, with smaller prizes for finalists. WKCTC was named a finalist with distinction earlier this year and got a $200,000 prize. 

WKCTC President Anton Reece said, "The Aspen 2023 announcement continues to be a powerful affirmation of the culture of excellence we have intentionally built at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. I would like to applaud and thank the faculty, staff, and supporters of the many years WKCTC has participated in the Aspen prize."

However, Reece said they won't compete for the next prize because they will be focused on preparing for fifth-year accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. He also revealed how they will use the prize money from this spring. 

"After feedback from various campus constituents, the monies will primarily go toward overarching themes of transportation, childcare, and technology needs," Reece said. "Transportation is a top priority for students across the main campus and our downtown Paducah School of Art and Design (PSAD) location. That is why we will be purchasing a 13-seat shuttle van equipped to meet the needs of students with disabilities, and some of the monies will be used toward childcare vouchers and technology needs."

Reece said the college plans to have a community event in the spring to celebrate the college's Aspen Prize recognition. It has been named among the top 150 schools eligible for the prize seven times, has been named a top ten finalist five times, and a finalist with distinction three times. They are the only community college in Kentucky in the top 150 this year.  

The Aspen Prize honors colleges with outstanding achievement in five critical areas: 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.