Mid-Plains Community College has been named as a Career Preparedness Award recipient by the Nebraska ACT State Organization.

The honor makes MPCC Nebraska’s community college representative in the national ACT College and Career Readiness Campaign.

Started in 2013, the campaign celebrates exemplary employers, community colleges, high schools and high school seniors across the U.S. who promote or exemplify readiness for college and careers.

“I think the state award really recognizes the amount of career preparation we constantly work toward at MPCC,” said Bill Eakins, area dean of Career Services. “We do everything we can for our 18-county service area. We use the most up-to-date career information systems, bring in business leaders to speak to our students and provide a variety of classroom-specific skills assessments.”

To be considered for the award, MPCC had to outline the career readiness assessments and career preparation programs it has in place.

The college also had to demonstrate strong relationships with local employers, a commitment by administrators and faculty to provide a support structure for students and the presence of student leadership opportunities outside the classroom.

“This award is definitely a reflection of the college as a whole – not just Career Services,” said Berva Arensdorf, area career specialist for MPCC. “Although some students plan to continue their postsecondary education after leaving MPCC, many students come here with the goal of being career ready. It takes an institution-wide effort to make that happen for them.”

The college will be recognized during a luncheon in Lincoln on April 9. Approximately 150 education and workforce leaders are expected to attend the event.

MPCC will also be considered for recognition at the National Gala for College and Career Readiness in Washington, D.C. in June.