TCC Shines as a Finalist in the Bellwether Award Competition

Tidewater Community College (TCC) recently had the honor of being a finalist in the prestigious Bellwether Award Competition, held in San Antonio, Texas. This recognition highlights TCC’s commitment to excellence in workforce development and its impactful initiatives that benefit both the community and local industries.

The Bellwether Award is a highly competitive and respected accolade in the field of higher education, recognizing outstanding and innovative programs that are leading the way in community college education. TCC competed in the Workforce Development category with its Skilled Trades Academy (STA) program, which addresses economic mobility and workforce gaps in Portsmouth, VA, and the Hampton Roads region. Since its inception in 2017, the STA has provided specialized training in high-demand trades, resulting in impressive completion rates and employment outcomes.

During the competition, TCC’s presentation showcased the strong leadership and teamwork that drive the success of the STA program. The judges commended TCC for its robust partnerships with local employers and the funding that supports these efforts. The presentation also highlighted the program’s impressive completion rate of 90% and an employment rate of 74%, demonstrating the tangible impact of the STA on the community.

The TCC team, led by Art A. Hall, Vice President for Workforce Solutions, included key presenters such as Christopher Bryant, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, and Laura W Hanson, Associate Vice President for Workforce Solutions. The team also featured Katie Jones, an alum of the STA program, who shared her inspiring journey and the positive impact the program has had on her career. Although TCC did not take home the top award, the experience provided valuable feedback and insights that will help strengthen the STA program for future competitions. 

We are incredibly proud of our team’s dedication and hard work, and we look forward to continuing to enhance our programs to better serve our students and community. Stay tuned for more updates and success stories from TCC’s Skilled Trades Academy!

To view photos from the event click HERE.