HARRINGTON -- Kent County’s educational system was the topic of celebration last week at a dinner that featured business, education and nonprofit leaders.

The 2022 Excellence in Education awards were hosted by the Delaware State News in Harrington on Wednesday.

“The purpose of the program is to brand and market our educational initiatives, … so businesses feel good about coming to our county and our schools,” said Tonda Parks, a founder of the Excellence in Education Fund and the newspaper’s marketing/community outreach director.

“Community building and service underscores everything we do at the Delaware State News,” publisher Darel La Prade said in his welcome to the attendees.

Excellence in Education is a countywide partnership between Kent County Levy Court, the Kent Economic Partnership, the Greater Kent Committee, the Delaware State News and the community.

Grants are awarded each November to schools and nonprofits; for the past few years, the theme has been education programs for workforce development. Such funding has helped pay for information technology training, professional certification tests, advertising to expand enrollment and more.

Several Kent County officials joined the room full of educators and investors, as “we are definitely here for the long haul” in terms of supporting education, said Levy Court Commissioner Allan Angel.

Three nonprofits earn grants

Delaware Adolescent Program Inc. was awarded $7,500 to provide workforce development training to teens who are mothers. The Camden site will pilot Daughters Destined for Duty, including mock interviews, business etiquette, leadership skills, job placement options and other job coaching.

“The end goal is that we are producing income-generating, productive citizens in our great state. We want people to have healthy and successful lifestyles, with healthy living and healthy families. That’s the best contribution we make in our organization,” said Dr. Doris Griffin, executive director.

The Greater Dover Boys & Girls Club was awarded $4,000 to bring a workforce training initiative to local students.

“CareerLaunch prepares teens … (by encouraging them) to assess their skills and interests, explore careers, make sound educational decisions and prepare (them) to join our nation’s workforce,” organizers said. Staff will guide about 10 students through job search skills and work readiness using an existing curriculum, plus mentoring, job shadowing and training opportunities.

The Engineering Concepts Institute was awarded $3,500 to teach teens a foundation of STEM skills required in trade and technical areas. Retired teacher Bob Bogdziewicz created this nonprofit to provide students the basics of engineering skills (sketching, measurements, design and, eventually, 3-D printing), which can lead to many careers.

With the grant, Mr. Bogdziewicz will finish preparing the 15-hour curriculum, meant as an after-school, club or home schooling program. “Exposure precedes interest,” he said. “The more they experience, … the more chance they’ll have of expediting their success for career satisfaction.”

Considering the future

Five experts in education and business -- including the 2021 winners -- were invited to a panel discussion on workforce development: Desa Burton, executive director of Zip Code Wilmington; Jeremy McEntire, assistant director of Polytech Adult Education; Will Grimes, director of operations for NeighborGood Partners; Adam Kramer, state director of the Green Beret Project; and Veronica Palomino, human resources specialist for training and recruitment at Eagle Group. Leading the discussion was Konrad La Prade, Delaware State News’ vice president of sales and marketing.

They discussed soft skills that young people and job-seekers need, from managing an online presence for their business and selves, to timeliness, listening and communication -- and putting the cellphone away when it’s time to work.

On the flip side, they discussed what employers should consider or adapt to when recruiting a workforce today.

For instance, if you require a college diploma for hiring, you’re missing out on a lot of talent, said Ms. Burton, who oversees a 12-week intensive tech course. “Look at education a little differently and remove some of the barriers that may not be necessary,” she advised.

Also, Mr. McEntire emphasized that employees will not run off after receiving free training and tuition, as some bosses might fear. “The more you invest in your employees (and) the more loyal you are, … you’re showing them you value them,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Grimes and Ms. Palomino noted that cellphones aren’t always a distraction but sometimes are a tool, from work-required technology to personal medical apps and supports.

Investments in learning

With community support, the Excellence in Education Fund has raised about $95,000 in donations and pledges. Multiyear marketing partners include the Delaware Department of Education, the Capital School District, Delaware State University, Delaware Technical Community College, the Polytech School District and Wilmington University. Major sponsors include the Axia Hotel Group and the Delaware Solid Waste Authority.

The 2023 grant cycle will open soon, with details at cendelfoundation.org. The Excellence in Education Fund is managed by the CenDel Foundation at 302-724-7538 or cendelfoundation.org. Sponsorships and partnership opportunities are also available by contacting Ms. Parks at tparks@iniusa.org or 302-270-8663.

Learn more about all six recent grant projects, plus other education news, in the Excellence in Education magazine at BaytoBayNews.com/SpecialSections.