Superstars in Education & Training

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and its workforce development affiliate, The Partnership, Inc., are pleased to announce the 2025 Superstars in Education & Training award winners

PHOTOS BY NICK WALLACE PHOTOGRAPHY

THERE IS NO QUESTION that a healthy economy requires a strong workforce. A skilled and educated workforce draws businesses to Delaware and encourages existing businesses to stay and expand here. Whether college-bound or preparing for a technical or trade job, individuals must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to be successful. Superstars in Education and Training seeks to celebrate programs that contribute to developing the state’s workforce—of today and tomorrow.

Since 1989, the awards program has been recognizing educational programs for innovative and impactful programming. This year, the program streamlined the application process, enhanced focus on measuring collaboration and impact, and introduced a new category—corporate training—designed to recognize businesses that are actively upskilling and developing talent within their organizations. An award is given to one independent training and certificate provider, a corporate training program, a higher education program, and a Delaware high school program. Awards of Excellence are also granted to deserving programs.

The 26 members of our selection committee met over the course of three months to choose our honorees. The rigorous process included reading and scoring applications, meeting to discuss the merits of each application, and finally, making site visits for a firsthand look at the finalists in action. Our selection committee returned full of excitement and stories from the site visits.

The 2025 Superstars in Education and Training award winners—all of which exemplify creativity and efficacy in workforce development initiatives— are Pathways to Success, M. Davis & Sons, Delaware Technical Community College, and MOT Charter High School. Polytech Adult Education, The WRK Group, and the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation (DEMEC) were also named as Award of Excellence recipients. The winners were recognized during an awards luncheon at the Navigating Delaware Pathways Summit at Bally’s Dover Casino Resort at the end of April.

2025 WINNERS

PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS

Independent Training and Certificate Provider

The Pathways to Success (PTS) program empowers underserved students in Delaware by providing them with the skills, mentorship, and resources needed to break the cycle of poverty and achieve success. Currently serving 400 students and impacting over 3,000 in the last 19 years, PTS places dedicated coordinators in multiple high schools statewide to offer daily support, one-on-one mentoring, and after-school sessions. The PTS program also emphasizes career readiness, offering training in customer service, teamwork, resume writing, interviewing, and leadership. Rooted in the C.A.R.E. model—Consistency, Authenticity, Respect, and Empowerment—PTS ensures that students receive the guidance they need to graduate and transition into higher education, the workforce, or the military with long-term success.

M. DAVIS & SONS

Corporate Training Program

The M. Davis & Sons Welding Training Program gives their employees the opportunity to upskill and advance their careers. For more than 26 years, the company has offered voluntary, in-house training twice a week, led by AWS-certified instructors. Employees can practice different welding techniques, earn new certifications, and qualify for higher wages based on their skill level. The program is open to full-time employees with welding experience, including those who started through vocational programs or co-op positions. With dedicated training spaces and hands-on instruction, M. Davis & Sons is ensuring both career growth for their employees and a steady pipeline of highly skilled welders ready for any project.

DELAWARE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Higher Education Program

Delaware Technical Community College’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program prepares students for careers in the trucking industry with a 240-hour course that combines classroom instruction with hands-on training. Students gain experience driving diesel-powered tractor-trailers on a private range and public roads, as well as using a CDL simulator to practice challenging driving conditions. With small class sizes and flexible scheduling options, the curriculum covers truck operation, cargo handling, inspections, trip planning, and industry regulations. Graduates earn a CDL Class A license, opening doors to well-paying jobs in high demand across multiple industries.

MOT CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL

High School Program

MOT Charter High School’s Career and College Ready Capstone Program immerses students in real-world STEM experiences while preparing them for college and careers. Working within a simulated company structure, students take on leadership roles and collaborate on engineering and technology projects aligned with their career interests. With over 50 project options, students apply STEM knowledge while developing key skills like project management, teamwork, and communication. Guided by industry mentors, alumni, and college professors, students refine their technical and professional competencies. The program culminates in a formal presentation to an expert panel, where students showcase their work and receive valuable feedback.

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS:

POLYTECH ADULT EDUCATION, PRACTICAL NURSING

Higher Education Program

THE WRK GROUP, THE RISE PROGRAM

Independent Training & Certificate Provider

DEMEC, LINEWORKER TRAINING PROGRAM

Corporate Training Provider