City College ranked number one in nation

Santa Barbara City College has a special reason to celebrate.

The school received the 2013 Aspen Institute Prize for Excellence.

It ranked number one among more than 1,000 other public community colleges nationwide.

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 underrepresented minorities.

SBCC hosted a party Tuesday afternoon to mark the achievement. Hundreds of people showed up for the event, including students who said the school is very deserving of the honor.

Student Edith Rodriguez said, “SBCC has a lot to offer, the great classes, the extracurricular activities, the leadership conferences, and the staffing are just cheering you on all the way.”

As part of the award SBCC will receive $400,000 dollars.