The Aspen Institute has announced the winners of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

Imperial Valley College along with Amarillo College in Texas were recognized as two-year colleges that are working to change students' lives. The two college will split the $1 million prize. According to the Aspen Institute, both colleges serve large rural areas with high rates of poverty and low rates of educational attainment. These challenges make their achievements in graduation rates and post-graduation success for students especially notable. IVC serves 7,800 students, 93 percent of whom are Hispanic. President Lennor Johnson and his team were recognized for creating partnerships within the community to help students get onto a career path and earn diplomas.