ALEXANDRIA, La. (WNTZ) — Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) has once again earned national recognition for excellence in higher education. For the third consecutive nomination period, the Aspen Institute has named CLTCC among the top community colleges in the United States, making it eligible to compete for the $1 million 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

The Aspen Prize is the nation’s most prestigious award for community colleges, recognizing schools for strong student outcomes in retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates. The 2027 competition expands eligibility to the top 200 colleges, up from 150 in prior years.

“We are thrilled to have earned this Aspen Institute ‘three-peat,’ if you will,” said CLTCC Chancellor Dr. Jimmy Sawtelle. “To be recognized once is a tremendous honor. To receive a third-straight recognition as one of the top community colleges in the nation is a testament to the consistent quality of our faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders providing life-changing educational opportunities in Central Louisiana.”

Dr. Heather Poole, CLTCC’s executive vice chancellor of academic and student affairs, said the recognition highlights the college’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and student success.

“This recognition affirms the dedication of our faculty, staff, and industry partners who work every day to ensure student success and workforce excellence,” Poole said. “We’re focused on taking CLTCC to the next level—expanding opportunity, innovation, and impact across Central Louisiana.”

Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, said the award rewards colleges achieving meaningful results for students.

“The Aspen Prize winners offer a powerful message: community colleges can deliver the kind of life-changing education that makes the American Dream real,” Wyner said.

CLTCC joins Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College and South Louisiana Community College as one of only three Louisiana schools eligible for the 2027 award.

Over the next 20 months, institutions will undergo a rigorous review process assessing student outcomes, employment data, and evidence of scaled, sustainable improvement. The Aspen Institute will announce 25 semifinalists in April 2026, 10 finalists in June 2026, and the winner in February 2027.

Founded in 1949, the Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., with a campus in Aspen, Colorado. The first Aspen Prize was awarded in 2011 to Valencia College in Florida. The 2025 winner was Southwest Wisconsin Technical College.

CLTCC offers associate degrees, technical diplomas, and industry certifications across more than 20 disciplines and serves seven parishes in Central Louisiana through five campuses. The college also provides training at one state and one federal correctional facility.

Applications for the upcoming semester are open at www.cltcc.edu/apply. For more information, email info@cltcc.edu or call 800-278-9855.