News

A three-college partnership focused on expanding workforce opportunities across Nebraska has been recognized with a prestigious state honor.

Southeast Community College, Northeast Community College and Central Community College received the Outstanding Career and Technical Education Program Award on June 9 during the Nebraska Career Education Conference in Kearney. The award recognizes excellence in career and technical education programs at the middle school, high school and postsecondary levels.

The colleges were honored for their collaborative Elevate Grant initiative, which is expanding registered apprenticeship opportunities and strengthening workforce pathways across rural Nebraska. The partnership serves a broad region of the state by connecting students, employers and communities to high-demand career training.

“It was an honor to receive this award,” said Twilya L’Ecuyer, apprenticeship program director at SCC. “I see the award as a significant acknowledgement of the positive impact registered apprenticeships have on the technical skill development and the workforce in Nebraska.”

The Elevate initiative was designed to create a multi-college apprenticeship hub that helps employers develop and sustain registered apprenticeship programs while providing students with hands-on, work-based learning opportunities aligned with in-demand careers.

The Outstanding CTE Program Award is presented to programs that demonstrate excellence across several key areas, including:

• Alignment with the Nebraska Career and Technical Education Model
• Strong student achievement in both academic and career areas
• Innovative instruction tied to programs of study
• Leadership development through career and technical student organizations
• Effective career guidance and work-based learning
• Alignment to workforce and economic priorities
• Community and industry engagement

The Elevate partnership reflects these criteria through its focus on expanding apprenticeship opportunities, strengthening employer partnerships and increasing access to career-focused education in rural communities.

Through shared resources and coordinated outreach, the three colleges are helping reduce barriers for employers to participate in apprenticeship programs while creating new opportunities for students to earn while they learn.

SCC currently has 81 apprentices and 32 employer partners covering 24 occupations. Fifty three of those are apprenticing as electricians. Our largest employer partner has more than 1,000 employees while the smallest has six. SCC has 25 prospective students seeking an apprenticeship opportunity with three employers wanting to hire. A majority of our apprentices are non-traditional students but we have several high school students reaching out for an apprenticeship to help pay for college.

The Nebraska Department of Education presents the Excellence in Career and Technical Education Awards annually to honor outstanding programs and partnerships that prepare students for college, career and life success.

Jennifer Snyder
Communications Specialist
402-323-3393
jsnyder@southeast.edu