(October 29, 2025) MARYSVILLE, CA — The Aspen Institute has named Yuba College among the top 200 community colleges eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year institutions.

“This recognition is offered based on a rigorous review of our students’ success data and demonstrates that we are high-performing and driving increased success for our students,” said Dr. Tawny Dotson, Yuba College president. “It’s a recognition not of any person or department but an entire institution committed to seeing our students succeed and have opportunities for good jobs and transfer. We are very proud to be on this list of exceptional nominees.”

The 200 colleges were selected based on student outcomes data including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates. Together, these institutions represent the diversity of the community college sector, serving from a few hundred to tens of thousands of students across the nation.

“The Aspen Prize rewards colleges that achieve the kind of outcomes that actually matter to students—completing college degree programs that, in turn, lead to lifelong success,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “Aspen Prize winners offer a powerful message: Community colleges can deliver the kind of life-changing education that makes the American Dream real.”

Over the next 20 months, eligible colleges will undergo a comprehensive review process assessing student outcomes and institutional practices. 25 semifinalists will be announced in April 2026, followed by ten finalists in June 2026, with the grand prize winner announced in spring 2027 in Washington, D.C.

For a full list of eligible colleges and details on the selection process, visit as.pn/prize.

About The Aspen Prize
The Aspen Prize is generously funded by Ascendium Education Philanthropy and the Joyce Foundation. Previous winners are:
· 2025: Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (WI)
· 2023: Amarillo College (TX) and Imperial Valley College (CA)
· 2021: San Antonio College (TX)
· 2019: Indian River State College (FL) and Miami Dade College (FL)
· 2017: Lake Area Technical Institute (SD)
· 2015: Santa Fe College (FL)
· 2013: Santa Barbara City College (CA) and Walla Walla Community College (WA)
· 2011: Valencia College (FL)

Note: Colleges that have won the Aspen Prize are not eligible to apply in subsequent years.

About The Aspen Institute
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to strengthen higher education leadership and practice to improve student outcomes—with the ultimate goal of advancing economic mobility and developing talent for the good of each individual and society as a whole. For more information, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, and X.

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.

About Yuba College
Yuba College, located at 2088 North Beale Rd., Marysville, CA, has been providing quality education to the residents of the Yuba-Sutter area for more than 98 years. The 180-acre college opened its doors in 1927 and offers classes in over 90 programs that prepare students for a certificate, associate degree, or transfer to a four-year college. There are more than 10,000 students enrolled at Yuba College. For more information about Yuba College, please visit the website at yc.yccd.edu.

In addition to the main campus in Marysville, Yuba College operates the Sutter County Center and it is part of a two college District which covers 4,192 square miles and all or part of eight counties.

Media Contacts:
Kristin O’Keefe 240-351-8531 | kristin.okeefe@aspeninstitute.org

Chrystal Gillming
Student Marketing and Engagement Coordinator
Yuba College
530-741-6992 | cgillming@yccd.edu