South Piedmont Community College is among a small number of community colleges nationwide recently recognized as a 2023 Bellwether Award finalist. Receiving a top 10 finalist placement in both the “workforce development” and “instructional programs and services” categories this year, this competitive recognition shows that SPCC continues to provide exemplary programs.
The Bellwether Award, considered one of the most elite awards given to community colleges, focuses on cutting-edge, trendsetting programs worthy of replication. Community colleges showing innovation and excellence are considered for the award and undergo a rigorous, two-round selection process. The final round of review, taking place in February 2023, will result in one winner in each category.
Bellwether Finalist: “Filling the Pipeline”
This is the second year in a row that the college has been nominated for this award. This year, South Piedmont is recognized as a top 10 choice in the Workforce Development category for their “Filling the Pipeline” program in partnership with Columbus-McKinnon. This learn-and-earn model of education aims to help meet labor shortages and provide access to in-demand, high-wage jobs in Anson County, NC.
Bellwether Finalist: “Learning Reimagined”
The college was also recognized as a top 10 finalist in the Instructional and Program Services category for its “Learning Reimagined” program. This program is dedicated to increasing access, removing barriers and providing flexibility to meet the diverse needs of community college students.
For the second year in a row, South Piedmont will advance onto the final stage of review and present its projects to the Community College Futures Assembly in San Antonio, sponsored by the Alamo Colleges District, in February 2023.
“To be recognized again as a Bellwether Award finalist is a proud testament to the dedication we put into our programs and how we invest in and serve the students in our community,” Dr. Maria Pharr, SPCC President said. “It is this hard work and commitment to quality and service-oriented programming that have made our innovations award-winning. We are honored to be considered along with this elite group of community colleges this year and we look forward to presenting among them at the 2023 Community College Futures Assembly.”
About SPCC
South Piedmont Community College sits at the crossroads of where you are and where you want to be. It is a college with heart and opportunity; it helps residents of Anson County and Union County gain knowledge, improve skills and expand possibilities no matter their starting point. Through accessible, affordable, high-quality programming, SPCC empowers its students to complete their education and achieve their goals.
SPCC has four locations, two in Union County and two in Anson County and has served residents since 1999. Programs include traditional undergraduate studies, adult basic skills education and work-based learning. Learn more at spcc.edu.
