Notable schools, students, and employers were commended for their contributions to education and economic progress last night at ACT’s third annual National Gala on College and Career Readiness.
One national exemplar was named in each of four categories:
Student Readiness Award:
Lamar Greene, Richmond Community High School—Richmond, Va. This award is given to a high school senior demonstrating progress towards college and career readiness, success beyond the classroom in extracurricular activities, and determination in the face of adversity. Greene was the valedictorian of his high school graduating class. He earned more than 500 community service hours at his local Boys and Girls Club, and he served as a page in the U.S. Senate. His essay explained how he has accomplished these tasks, yet struggles to find a male role model.
College and Career Transition Award:
Sumner Academy of Arts and Science—Kansas City, Kan. This award is given to a high school that demonstrates dedication in preparing students for success after high school, serving students from diverse and underserved backgrounds, and helping students progress toward ACT College and Career Readiness Benchmarks. Sumner Academy has a 100 percent college acceptance rate for its students, many of whom are the first in their family to attend college.
Career Preparedness Award:
Mitchell Technical Institute—Mitchell, S.D. This award honors a community college that demonstrates superior career preparation and planning programs, great student outcomes, and development of relationships with local employers and communities. MTI boasts a 99 percent job placement rate, largely through its incredible connections with local employers. The school makes sure that students are fully trained to start a career, not just a job, by involving local employers in its curricula development.
Workplace Success Award:
Eastman—Kingsport, Tenn. This honor is presented to an employer demonstrating dedication to employee development, partnerships with local schools, and involvement with its community. Eastman partners with its local community college to find qualified new workers, train its apprentices, and send its employees back for continuing education so they may grow in their careers.
The gala was the capstone event in the ACT College & Career Readiness Campaign. The burgeoning campaign attracted over 30 state partners this year—a five-fold increase since the first campaign two years ago. National exemplars were chosen by an external National Selection Committee comprising education, business, and political leaders.
Student exemplars in every participating state received a scholarship. The national exemplar student, Lamar Greene, earned a $4,000 scholarship, while each of the three semifinalists received a $2,000 scholarship.
“The ACT College & Career Readiness Campaign is a national effort, central to ACT’s mission of helping people achieve education and workplace success,” said Jon Whitmore, CEO, ACT. “The challenges in college and career readiness facing our country are significant, which is why the accomplishments of these exemplars deserve the spotlight as shining examples of what is possible with hard work and dedication.”
Whitmore, who helped create the initiative, is retiring in fall 2015. In recognition of his service, U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack of Iowa presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the gala.
Further details are available at www.act.org/readinesscampaign.