S.B.C.C. Named on Prestigious Top Ten List

Santa Barbara City College could be the recipient of a $1 million prize fund.The school ranked among the top ten two-year colleges nationwide by the Aspen Institute, for the second year in a row.The school is the only one in California named on the prestigious list.According to the Aspen Institute, Santa Barbara City College excels at preparing students to transfer to four year universities, and offers outstanding service to students. The Institute also commends the college for its focus on helping under represented minorities. In fact, S.B.C.C.’s under represented minority transfer rates exceed the national average.”We have the cream of the crop, and everyone who has ever dreamed to pursue a higher education. We’ve got them here, and our goal is to support them in their goals and aspirations,” explains Lori Gaskin, President of S.B.C.C.This–despite massive budget cuts that have resulted in fewer class offerings and higher tuition.The ten finalists including S.B.C.C. were chosen among more than one thousand community colleges.S.B.C.C. is just one of four on that list to receive the honor two years in a row. A panel will visit and evaluate the school next week as part of the final stage in the competition.The overall winner will be chosen early next year. The top ranked school, and up to four others, will receive part of the one million dollar prize purse.