News
Community College Trio Earns Award
June 18, 2026
A three-college partnership focused on expanding workforce opportunities across Nebraska has been recognized with a prestigious state honor.
Northeast Community College, Southeast Community College and Central Community College received the Outstanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) 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.
“Receiving the Outstanding Career and Technical Education Program Award at the Nebraska Career Education Conference is an incredible honor and a reflection of the collaborative work happening through the Elevate Consortium,” said Catrina Gray, CCC areawide apprenticeship director. “This partnership between Nebraska's community colleges has expanded Registered Apprenticeship opportunities, strengthened employer engagement and created earn-and-learn pathways for students across the state. We are also grateful for the partnership and support of Aksarben Foundation, which played a key role in helping with and supporting the Elevate Summit. Their involvement was instrumental in the success of the summit, which brought together education, industry and workforce partners from across 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.
“CCC is honored to receive this recognition for the Elevate Consortium as apprenticeships are an important tool in helping to build a stronger workforce across Nebraska,” said CCC-Hastings President Dr. Christopher Waddle. “The partnership between the three community colleges has been successful not only in expanding the opportunities for students but also in building lasting apprenticeship networks across the state. The foundation has been laid to continue to build upon existing relationships and show others the value of an apprenticeship for their company.”
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.
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.