Forsyth Tech is a semifinalist for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
The Recognition
On April 29, 2026, the Aspen Institute named Forsyth Technical Community College as one of 25 community colleges across the country selected as semifinalists for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The Prize is the nation’s highest honor for community colleges, awarded every two years based on rigorous analysis of student outcomes.
Why Forsyth Tech
The Aspen Prize selection process evaluates outcomes, not intentions. The 25 semifinalists were selected from nearly 1,000 community colleges using data on learning, completion, transfer leading to bachelor’s attainment, and workforce success. Forsyth Tech earned this recognition because of measurable work over the past decade.
45%Graduation rate todayUp from 19% a decade ago
45%Minority student completionUp from 12% a decade ago
26–33%Percentage point gainsOverall & minority completion under Vision 2025
“The equity gap is virtually closed.”
What Happens Next
1
Now — Semifinalist
Forsyth Tech is among 25 semifinalists selected from nearly 1,000 community colleges nationwide.
2
Early June 2026 — 10 Finalists Announced
The Aspen Institute will name 10 finalists from the 25 semifinalist institutions.
3
Fall 2026 — Site Visits
Finalist colleges host multi-day site visits in the fall.
4
April 13, 2027 — Winner Announced
The winning college will be announced at an awards ceremony in Washington, DC.
“This recognition belongs to our students and to the employees who work alongside them every day. The Aspen Institute has named what we have been quietly building for years.”
— Dr. Janet Spriggs, President Forsyth Technical Community College
Celebrate With Us
Download these assets to share the news on LinkedIn, in your email signature, or as your desktop wallpaper.
Choose the post that feels most like you, click copy, and share it on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or X.
Please use:#ForsythTechTop25 and #AspenPrize
Faculty & Staff
Forsyth Tech has been named one of the top 25 community colleges in the country.
We’re a semifinalist for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence—and this recognition is based on what matters most: student success.
I see that work every day. Students persisting. Colleagues going the extra mile. Systems improving so more students finish what they start.
Proud to be part of a place that’s focused on outcomes, not just access.
Learn more: https://www.forsythtech.edu/aspen-prize
#ForsythTechTop25 #AspenPrize
Faculty & Staff — Short Version
Proud to be part of Forsyth Tech—named one of the top 25 community colleges in the U.S. as a 2027 Aspen Prize semifinalist.
This recognition is built on real student outcomes.
#ForsythTechTop25 #AspenPrize
Students
My college was just named one of the top 25 community colleges in the country 🤯
Forsyth Tech = Aspen Prize semifinalist 👏
Proud to be a Trailblazer.
#ForsythTechTop25 #AspenPrize
Students — Simple Version
Forsyth Tech was just named one of the top 25 community colleges in the country.
That means something—because it’s based on student success.
Proud to be part of it.
#ForsythTechTop25 #AspenPrize
Alumni
As a Forsyth Tech alum, this one means a lot.
The college has been named one of the top 25 community colleges in the country as a 2027 Aspen Prize semifinalist.
It’s great to see the impact continuing to grow for current and future students.
#ForsythTechTop25 #AspenPrize
Community Partners & Employers
Forsyth Tech has been named one of the top 25 community colleges in the country.
This recognition reflects the strength of our students and the impact the college has on our workforce and community.
We’re proud to partner with an institution that’s delivering real results.
#ForsythTechTop25 #AspenPrize
Leadership / Professional
Forsyth Technical Community College has been named a semifinalist for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence—one of just 25 colleges in the nation.
This recognition reflects measurable gains in student success, including increased completion and the closing of equity gaps.
It’s a strong affirmation of the work happening across the institution every day.
Learn more: https://www.forsythtech.edu/aspen-prize
#ForsythTechTop25 #AspenPrize
Super Short
Forsyth Tech = Top 25 community college in the U.S. 🇺🇸
#ForsythTechTop25 #AspenPrize
“We start every cycle of the Aspen Prize with a simple question: Which community colleges are best at not just helping students graduate, but ensuring that what they learn and the credentials they earn actually help them meet their goals and have a better life?”
— Josh Wyner, Executive Director, Aspen Institute College Excellence Program
