20 NC community colleges eligible for 2027 Aspen Prize

“We’re kind of a paradox economically,” said Wake Tech President Scott Ralls, citing two data points. In 2025, Raleigh ranked as the No. 1 city for job opportunities and earning potential, “thanks to a strong tech and biotech presence, proximity to top-tier universities, and consistent population growth.” But in 2024, Raleigh also ranked 41st out of 50 cities in terms of upward economic mobility.

“That creates a lot of cognitive dissonance for us,” he said.

Lee is a caring and devoted leader. He does his research, supports his team, and looks on proudly when he listens to students speak. He also brings the unique perspective of having been a North Carolina community college student to his new role. Not so long ago, he was nervous in his car, weighing whether to sign up for classes of his own.

“I’ve sat in your seat and taken CIS-115, CIS-110, HUM-110. I’ve taken the same classes that you’re taking. Being able to say that I’ve walked the walk that a student has, I think that’s very unique,” he said.

On Oct. 16 and 17, LatinxEd welcomed over 300 leaders focused on the current and future state of education in North Carolina to the Latine Education Summit in Greensboro. The summit brought together students, educators, storytellers, and other educational professionals centered on the theme, “Ignite and Unite.”

Like in years past, the fifth annual summit consisted of several panel discussions, breakout sessions and workshops, and an awards ceremony. However, for the first time this year, the organization also announced its new policy priorities to guide its work ahead.

You can read more about the summit here.

The 200 eligible community colleges have been invited to submit an application and participate in a review process that will ultimately lead to the naming of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2027 in Washington, D.C. After the community colleges submit their applications, the next step will be the announcement of 25 semifinalists in April 2026, selected based on assessments of extensive data and the application by a group of 11 experts in community colleges, higher education, and workforce.

SNAP | Due to the federal government shutdown, 1.4 million North Carolinians have missed their monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which were supposed to disperse on Nov. 1. On Monday, the Trump administration announced plans to use $4.65 billion in emergency funds to disperse 50% SNAP payments to the 41.7 million Americans who receive the benefits. Read more about the status of payments, and find local resources, here.

Child care | Advocates are pointing to wage supplements as a strategy to keep child care teachers from leaving — and keep classrooms open for families. There is not enough child care to meet families’ needs. The main reason, experts say, is that child care teachers cannot afford to stay in the profession.

IDD program | During the 2025 Association of Community College Trustees Leadership Congress, Brunswick Community College leaders presented how the college is expanding opportunities for students with intellectual and development disabilities through its Brunswick Interagency Program.

Skilled employment | Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute recently announced the launch of RISE Caldwell-Watauga (Regional Initiative for Skilled Employment). RISE is a partnership project with the college, Caldwell County Economic Development Commission, Caldwell County Schools, Watauga County Schools, and the Watauga County Economic Development Commission. RISE is modeled after work-based learning projects like Surry-Yadkin Works.

Reentry program | Wayne Community College recently hosted a reentry program, bringing together business, government agencies, and nonprofits to provide essential resources for individuals who have been released from jail or prison. The event featured a job fair, skills workshops, and dress for success mobile unit.

Study abroad | Davidson-Davie Community College is offering a study abroad opportunity for students enrolled in one of the state’s 58 community colleges. Participants will spend two weeks in Bordeaux, France, working, collaborating, and learning with students from IUT-University of Bordeaux. They will be housed in a dorm and attend classes or enrichment activities alongside French students in Bordeaux. Davidson-Davie asks that students’ home colleges pay $1,000 for each student they send. Each student also pays $2,775, for a total cost of $3,775. The program fee includes flights, housing, insurance, ground transportation, daily programming, breakfast, and several additional meals. Space is limited. Schools can request slots by emailing Sarah Wright at [email protected].

Guilford Technical Community College is offering a study abroad opportunity for students enrolled in one of the state’s 58 community colleges. Program participants will spend 10 in days in Mendoza, Argentina in summer 2026 studying culture, sustainable development, and viticulture at la Universidad de Congreso. The participants will engage in an immersive homestay experience and learn about Argentine cuisine. The program fee is $5,420 and includes flights, housing, insurance, ground transportation, daily programming and cultural immersions, breakfast and dinner daily, and several group meals. The deadline to apply is Nov. 15, 2025. Click here for more information or to apply. All questions can be directed to Tiffany Overby-Bennett at taoverby@gtcc.edu.

Dallas Herring Lecture | Registration for the 11th annual Dallas Herring Lecture is now open. The virtual event, presented by the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 11 a.m. EST. Dr. Jason Wood, former president of the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence winner Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, will deliver the 2025 lecture, titled, “We Don’t Graduate People Into Poverty: Designing the College Experience Around Student Success.”

The Belk Center recently announced that Sharon Decker, former North Carolina Secretary of Commerce and current senior advisor to Gov. Josh Stein on the long-term recovery of western North Carolina, will serve as the respondent for this year’s lecture. Read more about Decker here.