Category 2 - Effective Work-Based Learning

Awarded to the program that best integrates classroom learning with some form of exposure to the workplace that prepares students for the world of work.

Category 4 - Flexible Program Offerings

Awarded to the program that best schedules classes so that they are convenient for students to attend; modularizes course content so that students may obtain credit for work already accomplished; teaches particularly needed skills to targeted populations; conducts training at worksite locations or at special hours to accommodate workers.

Category 5 - State-of-the-Art Curriculum

Awarded to the program that best structures courses in “award modules” that build progressively, correspond with professional opportunities; align lessons with industry-recognized skill standards; and delineate clear career pathways that facilitate multiple entry and exit points to accommodate people at different stages in their career development.

Category 6 - Successful Encouragement of Non-Traditional Goal Pursuits

Awarded to the program that best increases awards to recipients in areas that are not traditional for their gender, ethnicity, or economic background; targets recruitment of special populations into training for high-tech, high demand occupations; and promotes new alternatives to traditional practices.

Category 7 - Exceptional Focus on Competencies

Awarded to the program that best requires demonstration of competencies in industry-recognized skills as an integral part of course or program completion; devising new ways to test and measure competencies.

Category 8 - Best Marketing and Recruitment for Vocational/Technical Programs

Awarded to the program that best implements innovative recruitment activities to raise the awareness of high school students and other career seekers about program offerings at the colleges; while articulating career pathways with high schools.

Category 9 - Best Student Services and Community Collaboration

Awarded to the program that best integrates service learning and volunteerism in the community; and/or partnerships with community-based organizations, business and industry, or elementary/secondary education.

Category 10 - Outstanding Collaboration with Business and Industry

Award to the program that best designs training to meet specific industry needs; incorporates industry input into curriculum and expands training to encourage development of credit-based classes; while securing active endorsement from major local employers.

Category 11 - Most Promising New Workforce Development Program

Awarded to the program that offers a Degree, Certificate, or Skill Award that was first developed or implemented within the past year and that meets a direct industry need; reflects input and endorsement of local employers; trains students for family-sustaining, career ladder employment; employs project-based and/or work-based learning; shows collaboration between academic and vocational faculty; provides exceptional opportunities for special populations and non-traditional goal pursuits; and articulates with high schools and/or universities to offer a career pathway.

Category 12 - Best Workforce Development Program

Awarded to the best program that offers a Degree, Certificate, or Skill Award and has demonstrated exemplary performance in 3 or more of the above categories.