It’s time for leaders in community, business and education to gather for the 2024 Excellence in Education. This program highlights central Delaware educational assets and promotes workforce development.

Wednesday, Oct. 23, is the deadline for tickets to the luncheon, hosted by the Daily State News on Thursday, Oct. 31, at 11:30 a.m. at Maple Dale County Club in Dover.

The event will include a networking reception, a buffet lunch, a Keynote Speaker and the 2024 grant announcement. In addition, there will be a special announcement about the 2025 grant opportunities.  

Event attendees will have time to network with the Excellence in Education contributors and marketing partners to learn more about the economic development programs and assets they offer in Central Delaware.

“Created in 2019, the purpose of the program is to brand and market our educational initiatives to attract businesses, but also provide residents with educational opportunities to increase their skills and earning power,” said Tonda Parks, a founder of the Excellence in Education Fund and the newspaper’s marketing/community outreach director. The accompanying grant awards support job training initiatives to increase overall workforce stability for students and underemployed members of the community.

Individual event tickets are available through Oct. 23 at dsnevents@iniusa.org or (302) 741-8200. For more information, visit www.delmarvaevents.net.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information about how your organization can support this economic development initiative, please contact Tonda Parks at 302-270-8663 or tparks@iniusa.org for more information.

Essentially, “we believe that investing in workforce development is key to the long-term success of our community,” said Linda Parkowski, executive director of the Kent Economic Partnership. “Initiatives like these are not only helping to create opportunities for students but also building a stronger, more competitive economy that will benefit all of Central Delaware.”

To meet the region’s collective needs, Excellence grants are awarded by a county-wide partnership between the Daily State News, the Kent Sussex Leadership Alliance (formerly the Greater Kent Committee), the Kent Economic Partnership, and the community.

The Excellence grants are uniquely able to support useful ideas rarely eligible for grants. Awards have supported: work skills for at-risk youth; computer certification testing; STEM curriculum development; marketing for an apprenticeship program; and much more.

With community support, the Excellence in Education Fund has raised over $100,000 in donations and pledges. Multi-year marketing partners include Capital School District, Delaware State University, Delaware Technical Community College, POLYTECH School District and Wilmington University. Support also comes from signature sponsor Delaware Solid Waste Authority, plus Chesapeake Utilities, Energize Delaware, and Hawkins & Associates at Merrill Lynch.

“Grants like this directly benefit the young people in our community, providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Shelly Cecchett, of the Kent Sussex Leadership Alliance. “By investing in our young talent, we’re building a strong, skilled workforce that is ready to go to work in our community.”

The Fund’s assets are managed by the CenDel Foundation (www.cendelfoundation.org) and administered by the Excellence in Education Advisory Committee.

“I’m proud of the number of businesses who have invested in this grant program. Delaware’s such a great place to live, work and play,” said DSN Publisher Konrad LaPrade, “and when you have all these businesses that care about their community to fund a program like this, it really makes a statement.”

This event and partnership are part of the Daily State News and BayToBayNews.com mission to strengthen the communities it serves by publishing unbiased journalism and growing local business. Excellence in Education was recognized with the “Best In Show – Community Service Program” award (MDDC Press Association 2023 Contest).