At the 8th Annual Leadership Summit, which was hosted virtually this year, the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) presented 18 awards. Each year at NC3’s Annual Leadership Summit, awards are given to top-performing people and institutions in the NC3 Network for their leadership and innovation in career and technical education. This year’s Leadership Award Winners were announced to event attendees on July 15, 2021, the third day of the virtual conference.

Brunswick Community College was presented with an NC3 “School on the Rise” Award. This award is granted to schools that have shown consistent growth in issued certifications and dedication to career and technical education. Since joining the NC3 Network, Brunswick Community College has become a regional hub for students seeking certifications from 3M, Certiport, Greenlee, Lincoln Electric, the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, Snap-On, Starrett, and Trane. Despite Covid-19, BCC awarded 355 credentials during 2020 and 693 total credentials since partnering with NC3 twenty months ago.

Brunswick Community College has established goals that foster growth among career and technical education programs so that students have more opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials.

“As we continue to grow, it’s only going to make our college better and make the experience for our students better,” stated Dr. Gene Smith, Brunswick Community College President. “NC3 Certifications are going to continue to help us to stand out as a community college in North Carolina.”

BCC’s vice president for continuing education, economic and workforce development stated that Brunswick County’s local employers “expect our students to understand how to use modern equipment and tools safely on the job site. The certification process has provided exactly what they need.”

BCC’s interaction with private sector employers will continue, and the ability to offer third-party credentials will increase. With 22 exam options, bilingual instruction, and wrap-around services, Brunswick Community College is undoubtedly on the rise.

Awards were also presented to Dr. Perry Ward (Retired President of Lawson State Community College), Ben Schears (President of Northwest Kansas Technical College), WSU Tech, Gateway Technical College, Lakeshore Technical College, Metropolitan Community College, Wasilla High School, Cardinal Middle School, Orange Glen High School, Enterprise State Community College, Perry County High School, Richard J. Daley College, Hinds Community College, Hill College, Volunteer High School, Northeast Community College, and Patrick & Henry Community College.