Benedict College Receives National Partnership Award at the National Transportation Summit Transpo ´07
June 8, 2007
Business Opportunity and Workforce Development (BOWD)
The award recognizes the exceptional contributions that Benedict College has made to
strengthen the work force of tomorrow.
Columbia, SC - Benedict College received the Business Opportunity Workforce Development Center (BOWD) Partnership Award at the 2007 National Transportation Summit held in Charlotte, NC . The Partnership Award recognizes the exceptional contributions that Benedict College has made to strengthen the transportation workforce of tomorrow. The private Historically Black College was applauded for assisting with the creation and successful implementation of the pilot "Business Opportunity Workforce Development Program" in collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration.
During the recent award luncheon, the award was presented to Dr. David H. Swinton, President of Benedict College and Mrs. Vareva E. Harris, BOWD Project Director, by Mr. Frederick D. Isler, the Federal Highway Associate Administrator for the Civil Rights. Dr. Swinton noted, "These programs symbolized the college's commitment to improving the socioeconomic conditions of South Carolinians through employment opportunities." Over 500 people were in attendance at the Summit. This year's theme was "Partner Today for a Better Tomorrow," and featured Mr. Richard Capka, the Federal Highway Administrator as the keynote speaker.
Benedict College administers two programs that under the BOWD Program that is funded by the South Carolina Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration namely, the School-to-Work Internship Program and the School-to-Work Transportation Training and Careers Program.
Over the past three years, eighty-five (85) high school and college students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels have been placed in internship positions within transportation related organizations with industry leaders serving as supervisors and mentors to the interns. "Transportation industry leaders throughout South Carolina have partnered with us enthusiastically. Guidance counselors, career planning and placement officers and faculty from all over the state have been very supportive in making sure that their young people are aware of and apply for the programs, Mrs. Vareva E. Harris, BOWD Project Director.
For the past twelve years Benedict College has actively participated in transportation related programs to include the National Summer Transportation Institute, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Fellowship Program, the School-to-Work Mitigation Program, Summer Transportation Internship for Diverse Groups, and the School-to-Work Transitional Program.
Media Contact(s):
Kymm Hunter, Public Relations Director, 803-705-6654, hunterk@benedict.edu
Natalie Brown, Assistant Director of Public Relations, 803-705-4366, brownn@benedict.edu
Posted By: Jehan Bunch
Thursday, July 12th 2007 at 12:41PM
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