Superstars in Education & Training

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and its workforce development affiliate, The Partnership, Inc., are pleased to announce the 2024 Superstars in Education & Training award winners

PHOTOS BY NICK WALLACE PHOTOGRAPHY

THERE IS NO QUESTION that a healthy economy requires a strong workforce. A skilled and educated workforce draws businesses to Delaware and encourages existing businesses to stay and expand here. Whether college-bound or preparing for a technical or trade job, individuals must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to be successful. Superstars in Education and Training seeks to celebrate innovative programs that contribute to developing the state’s workforce— of today and tomorrow.

Since 1989, this award has been recognizing educational programs for innovative and impactful programming. An award is given to one independent training and certificate provider, a higher education program, and a Delaware high school program. Awards of Excellence are also granted to deserving training programs. This year saw a record number of applicants go through the rigorous application process—six programs came out on top.

The 18 members of our selection committee met over the course of three months to choose our honorees. The rigorous process included reading and scoring applications, meeting to discuss the merits of each application, and finally, making site visits for a firsthand look at the finalists in action. Our selection committee returned full of excitement and stories from the site visits.

The 2024 Superstars in Education and Training award winners—all of which exemplify creativity and efficacy in workforce development initiatives—are Delaware Skills Center, the John S. Charlton School, and Brandywine School District. M. Davis & Sons, Beebe Healthcare, and William Penn High School were also named as Award of Excellence recipients. The winners were recognized during an awards luncheon at the newly reimagined Navigating Delaware Pathways: An Education and Workforce Development Summit at Delaware Technical Community College’s Terry Campus in April.

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s 501(c)(3) workforce development affiliate, The Partnership, Inc., works to foster private sector involvement in education and workforce development to ensure the First State has a sustainable pipeline of talent. Delaware Principal for a Day, Superstars in Education and Training, Intern Delaware, and the Delaware Young Professionals Network are its four flagship programs.

2024 WINNERS

DELAWARE SKILLS CENTER

Independent Training and Certificate Provider

The Delaware Skills Center’s Electrical Training Program, the most popular of their many skilled trade offerings, caters to a limited enrollment of 30 individuals per year. This carefully designed 12-week program emphasizes hands-on experience and technical skills essential for entry-level positions in the electrical field. Utilizing the National Center for Construction Education Research and Development’s curriculum approved for Delaware’s Apprenticeship Program, participants gain proficiency in electrical systems, wiring, and installations, as well as important interpersonal skills. The Electrical Training Program not only bridges the gap between unemployed and underemployed individuals and industry shortages, but also equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to seamlessly transition into in-demand electrical careers.

JOHN S. CHARLTON SCHOOL

Higher Education Program

The Charlton Roads to Success Program at Delaware State University’s Downtown Campus is dedicated to equipping adult-aged students (ages 18-22) with the skills essential for successful integration into the community as they transition into adulthood. In this holistic program, students gain tailored, hands-on experience through skills assessments, workplace exposure, job coaching, and mentoring. Additionally, they participate in activities such as monthly YMCA activities, annual play productions, inclusivity events, and a student-run card company. By nurturing vocational skills, fostering independence, and creating a sense of belonging, this program equips young adults with valuable skills while also fostering a sense of inclusion and empowering them to lead fulfilling lives.

BRANDYWINE SCHOOL DISTRICT

High School Program

The Empathetic Engineering: Bridging Innovation for Special Needs program transforms lives through student-designed solutions. This Level 3 Design and Engineering program, offered at Concord, Brandywine, and Mount Pleasant High Schools, focuses on Human-Centered Design (HCD) to empower students to create inclusive solutions for individuals with special needs. From assistive devices for physical education to innovative workplace tools, students develop empathy and an understanding of diverse needs while also gaining valuable design and engineering skills. Their creations enhance accessibility and directly improve their clients’ lives, fostering a sense of purpose and social responsibility in the students and the wider community.

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS:

M. DAVIS & SONS, WELDING TRAINING PROGRAM

Independent Training and Certificate Provider

BEEBE HEALTHCARE, MARGARET H. ROLLINS SCHOOL OF NURSING

Higher Education Program

WILLIAM PENN HIGH SCHOOL, HEALTHCARE TECHNICIAN PROGRAM

High School Program

2024 Selection Committee

Zakiyyah Ali, Tech Council of Delaware

Mark Baxter, Rodel

Jon Bell, Better Business Bureau Serving Delaware

Patrick Best, WSFS Bank

Katie Burns, Office of the Governor

Kelly Ann DeCurtis, Pepco Holding Company

Jessica Jordan, DuPont

Charles Madden, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Kendall Massett, Delaware Charter Schools Network

Dr. Kathleen Matt, University of Delaware

Keisha Morris, Bayhealth

Anna McDermott, Food Bank of Delaware

Dr. Robert Rescigno, Wilmington University

Dr. Cora Scott, Department of Education

Dr. Patricia H. Smith, Holmes Smith Consulting

Joanna Staib, Delaware Workforce Development Board

Tamara Stoner, Delaware State University

Rachel Turney, Delaware Department of Labor