General Information

The Innovation Awards are the Association’s way of recognizing and rewarding creativity and innovation in course programming, management practice, communication, marketing, or customer service in Continuing Education programs.  The Committee Chair solicits the entries in the summer, and the awards are given during the Fall Conference each year.

The following information is subject to change by the current Innovation Awards Chair and Committee but may be used as general guidelines and information.

Judging Criteria

1. Innovation: How unique or original is the program or idea?

2. Need: What was the identified need, and who were the targeted participants or beneficiaries?

3. Impact: How many people have been impacted by the program or idea?

4. Permanence: Does the program or idea have long-term staying power and implications?

5. Replication: Can the program or idea be replicated at other community colleges?

Entry Eligibility

Entrants must be employees of North Carolina community colleges, and Continuing Education must be a major part of their work responsibilities.

The Awards

The overall winner will receive a $100 check for his/her college’s Foundation earmarked for his/her program, a $50 personal check, a certificate, and a commemorative plaque.  The two honorable mention winners will receive a certificate. 

Optional Presentation

All entrants will be given the opportunity to make a presentation of their entry during special Innovation Awards sessions at the Fall Conference.  The sessions are optional and are not a part of the competition.