Shelton State Community College was chosen as the 2014 recipient of ACT’s National Career Preparedness Award honoring exemplary efforts to advance college and career readiness by a community college.

Shelton State was recognized at ACT’s National Gala on College and Career Readiness held in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, June 3. Representatives from Shelton State attending the gala and receiving the award were Lew Drummond, Director of Workforce Development; George Pratt, Assistant Director for Workforce Development; and Nicole Dubose, Ready-to-Work Specialist.

Based on nomination forms submitted by the education chiefs of the eight states participating in this year’s College and Career Readiness Campaign, the national award selections were determined using an objective process developed by ACT. Award winners were decided by an unbiased committee comprised of national education and workforce leaders.

Shelton State Community College was selected by the Alabama State Department of Education for ACT’s College and Career Readiness Campaign as the state nominee for the Career Preparedness category earlier this year.

Shelton State was selected as the Alabama state winner on April 9 and was recognized with a presentation of a resolution by the Alabama State Board of Education and ACT.

Shelton State’s Ready-to-Work program integrates ACT WorkKeys into a five-week pre-employment training program assisting underemployed and unemployed individuals to obtain the essential skills desired by employers.

Ready-To-Work (RTW) provides trainees free training in basic skills and abilities required by most leading businesses and industries in Alabama.

The RTW curriculum is designed by Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) to build skills based on demands of local businesses and industries along with a nation-wide growth in technology, computer knowledge, and employment availability.

Successful graduates will receive an Alabama Certified Worker Certificate from AIDT, as well as an Alabama Career Readiness Certificate from ACT WorkKeys, allowing them to compete for jobs in today’s competitive market.