(OLNEY/NEWTON) The Illinois Eastern Community Colleges have been named among the top 200 U.S. Community Colleges by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. The recognition places IECC among the top 20% of nearly 1,000 community colleges eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize, which honors colleges that excel in student outcomes, such as retention, completion, transfer, and workforce success, while advancing equity and continuous improvement. The IECC recognition also reflects the District’s commitment to supporting the whole student through all aspects of college life. The 200 eligible colleges now enter a rigorous review process that culminates in the Aspen Prize winner announcement in spring 2027. The IECC District includes Olney Central College, Lincoln Trail College, Frontier Community College, and Wabash Valley College.
