Regional Development Corporation Receives
Excellence
in Economic Development Award from
the International Economic Development Council
Regional Development Corporation received
a Gold Excellence in Economic Development Award for their Accelerate - Technical
Training and Job Placement program in the category of Partnerships with
Educational Institutions for communities with populations of 200,000 - 500,000 from
the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
The honor was presented at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 2, during the IEDC Annual Conference, which is being held September 30 – October 3 in Houston, Texas.
"We recognize Regional Development
Corporation for creating innovative and successful strategies to promote
economic development in this period of global recovery," said Jay Moon, IEDC
chair. "Our awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in
creating positive change in communities. Regional Development Corporation demonstrates
that they are at the forefront of the economic development profession and are
using cutting-edge, effective practices that can be replicated in other
communities."
Accelerate is a joint initiative of
the Regional Development Corporation (RDC) and six community colleges with the
goal to increase the graduation rates of students in two year technical degree
programs. The initiative was launched in 2011 after identifying lack of
trained technical workers as a weakness. The partnership serves a largely
rural population located in five adjacent counties. Accelerate currently
serves 200 non-traditional students (working parents, veterans, minority) who
participate in a specially designed Math Camp to accelerate them through
remedial math courses, are assigned a Career Technical Advisor at their school
who provides frequent, intensive academic coaching and support, and attend jobs
fairs, mock interviews with employers, and a rigorous two day professional
readiness event. In May 2012, the first 36 students from the program
walked across the stage to receive diplomas in their given technical degree
areas. Of this year's graduates, 36% have been placed in jobs relevant to
their field of study and 53% are transferring to other colleges or universities
or continuing at the same university to pursue four year degrees.
Strategic direction for the program is provided by a board made up of the RDC,
regional employers, and college administrators.
IEDC's Excellence
in Economic Development Awards recognize the world's best economic development
programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year's most influential
leaders. These awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in
creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
About the International Economic Development Council
The International
Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the world's largest independent non-profit
membership and research organization devoted exclusively to the field of
economic development. IEDC helps economic development professionals create
high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life
in their regions. Serving more than 4,400 members, IEDC provides a
diverse range of services including conferences, professional development and
certification, publications, research, advisory services, and legislative
tracking. Visit www.iedconline.org.
About Regional Development Corporation
The Regional Development Corporation (RDC) is a regional economic development organization for
Northern New Mexico, focused on creating a diverse and sustainable economy. The
RDC works collaboratively to create new jobs in the region by strengthening
services to businesses and developing the infrastructure, public policy and
workforce to support job growth. Its principal service areas are Los Alamos,
Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, Taos, San Miguel, Mora and Sandoval counties. Visit www.rdcnm.org.
The Technical Training and Job Placement program, known as Accelerate, is a program of the RDC in collaboration
with the University of New Mexico – Taos, University of New Mexico – Los
Alamos, Santa Fe Community College, Northern New Mexico College, Luna Community
College, and New Mexico Highlands University. The mission of Accelerate is to graduate more technical
career students, place them in jobs and better prepare them for career and
educational advancement. Accelerate
is sponsored by the US Department of Energy, Office of Environmental Management
and by contributions from colleges, the RDC, and regional employers. Visit www.acceleratenm.org.
