Information Systems Security Program
by
Fred Klappenberger

Winner Institution:
Anne Arundel Community College

Innovation Type:
Workforce Preparation and Development

Description:
The Anne Arundel Community College Information Systems Security program prepares entry-level computer technicians with information security expertise through a program pathway that begins in high school, segues into the community college and is fully articulated with several 4-year colleges and universities. It addresses the workforce needs for qualified persons to work in information security within the homeland security industry. The program meets the National Security Telecommunications and Systems Security Instruction (NSTISSI) 4011 standard and prepares students to sit for industry certifications including the Computing Technology Industry Association’s A+, Network+ and Security+ certifications; Cisco’s Certified Network Associate certification; the Security Certified Network Professional certification, the Certified Wireless Network Administrator, and the Certified Computer Examiner credentials.

How this project is being recognized:

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

Project-Based Learning (Women in Technology Program)
by
Ted Boudria, Anthony Ucci, and Priscilla Grocer

Winner Institution:
Bristol Community College

Innovation Type:
Workforce Preparation and Development

Description:
The Tech Prep Consortium at Bristol Community College is at the forefront of the collaborative education initiative with its Project-Based Learning Experience among BCC, 11 secondary schools, and several major businesses. Over 50 young women are selected each year to design and build a real engineering project that saves time and money. They meet twice a month and are guided by engineers, teachers, and BCC personnel and are awarded 3 college credits. Upon completion, students present their projects to an audience of academic/business leaders, parents, and elected officials. Companies: Invensys Foxboro, Sensata Technologies, Teledyne Corp., and the Brockton VA Hospital. Presentations include: 2004 - Workforce Development Conference, Beijing, Peoples’ Republic of China sponsored by AACC 2002 - 2006 - National Tech Prep Network Conferences 2006 League for Innovation Publications upon request

How this project is being recognized:
Various awards including 2002 First Place Bellwether Award for Workforce Development

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

Focusing Professional Development While Developing Cross-Institutional Faculty /Staff Relationship
by
Annette L. Conn and Maureen McCreadie

Winner Institution:
Bucks County Community College

Innovation Type:
Learning and Teaching

Description:
To use professional development dollars strategically, Dean Maureen McCreadie and Provost Annette Conn piloted a project to send a team of 15 faculty and staff to the League’s Conference on Information Technology. The pilot was so successful that the College continued the practice and sent 32 people in 2006. At CIT, the team meets, assigns sessions, socializes, and records highlights on an intranet site. Upon returning, the team generates a list of action items based on the CIT experience and forms action teams. Among this year's action teams were podcasting and call center groups. Team members also offer presentations at BCCC’s Technology Day, at Faculty Center programs, at our Faculty of the Future annual conference, and at department meetings. The outcome is an interdisciplinary learning community that fosters collaboration, wider sharing of information across the campus, renewal and updating of skills, and multidisciplinary action teams to tackle strategic tasks.

How this project is being recognized:
College intranet, Faculty Center Newsletter

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

A Rubbermaid "real life" Marketing Plan
by
Jared McGinley

Winner Institution:
Butler Community College

Innovation Type:
Learning and Teaching

Description:
Jared McGinley designed and incorporated a "real life" marketing plan to promote Butler Community College. This was accomplished by utilizing the resources of the Rubbermaid Corporation thereby building a business-partnership bridge. The plan was to place college logos on the side of ice chests (coolers) which were donated to Butler, by Rubbermaid, and subsequently sold by Delta Epsilon Chi. This organization is the Butler student marketing club and the result was a successful fundraiser. The outcomes of this marketing plan were threefold. 1. A partnership developed between Butler and Rubbermaid. 2. Student engagement resulted by giving the students an actual consulting opportunity and creating an alternative revenue stream along with working with a real world situation. 3. Rubbermaid benefited by obtaining documents and presentations that offered creative problem-solving.

How this project is being recognized:

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

T.H.E.M. - Theatre Helping Education Move
by
Dan Rogers, C.A. Engleton and the T.H.E.M. cast members

Winner Institution:
Cedar Valley College

Innovation Type:
Student Services and Activities

Description:
Three years ago, Cedar Valley received a small grant to develop and train a troupe of students to perform for high school students to encourage them to go to college. Starting with four students, Dan Rogers took charge of training, directing and leading this group. During the past two years, the group has written and performed 20 original skits to 2,500 people in over 25 different venues. Performance subjects have included peer pressure, college preparation, diversity issues and self-motivation. Long after the grant ended, the group is still at work writing their own scripts, creating their own costumes and scenery and performing for audiences-all voluntarily.

How this project is being recognized:

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

Strategies for Data-Driven Labor Market Responsiveness
by
Linda Heiland and Bill Brown

Winner Institution:
Central Arizona College

Innovation Type:
Research, Assessment and Accountability

Description:
In a time of tight budgets and extensive accountability, colleges are increasingly called upon to prove and optimize their value as producers of a skilled and educated workforce, and consequently, as drivers of economic prosperity. Labor market research is fundamental to understanding this demand in order to review and develop programs oriented to workforce development. In our information age, colleges are faced with a confusing abundance of data, and a correspondingly difficult process of gathering appropriate and useful data at the right geographic scale—no more and no less. Researchers must also account for the strengths and weaknesses of each data source so,in order to utilize data effectively, colleges need to aggregate, unsuppress, select, and present usable data. . In 2006, CAC adopted the Community College Strategic Planner (CCSP) to help guide the college’s data collection and analysis processes and to assist in the staying abreast of changes in the local economy.

How this project is being recognized:
Newspaper articles, presentations at local community groups and at national conferences.

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

CPCC Television
by
David Rhew

Winner Institution:
Central Piedmont Community College

Innovation Type:
Learning and Teaching

Description:
Central Piedmont Community College has selected its television station, Channel 17, as the Innovation of the Year. The station was recognized by the college community as a valuable and powerful communications and instructional tool in the country’s 26th largest television market. The station, under David Rhew’s leadership, has significantly improved its on-air product by dramatically expanding its local programming schedule. Nearly half of the 168 hours of programming aired each week are related to CPCC and are produced by the College’s professional television staff. More than 300 promotional spots and five new series have been produced that highlight the College programs and services. The television station was recognized for its capability to powerfully communicate CPCC’s story to the community it serves.

How this project is being recognized:
$1000 award to the department to continue the innovative work, and a plaque of recognition

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

Student Success Day
by
Susan Ehlers and Janet Wacker

Winner Institution:
Century College

Innovation Type:
Learning and Teaching

Description:
Century College is committed to the following themes: “We want you here;” “Learning is central;” and “Nothing but the best!” To demonstrate that commitment the college sets aside a day each semester on which faculty, staff, and students share best practices that support and celebrate student success and learning. In addition to faculty conferences, the day includes seminars, keynote presentations, open houses, information tables, walk-in counseling, and open gymnasium. Student participation has increased approximately 64% since 2003. Campus engagement, detailed planning and scheduling, and assessment combine to create a day that can be, and has been, easily replicated.

How this project is being recognized:
We created a Student Success Day website and have followup articles in local newspapers and the student newsletter.

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

myCGCC Portal
by
Audree Thurman, Ryan Cain, Ron Slamka, Brien Dieterle, Michael Berry, and Dawn Vucetich

Winner Institution:
Chandler-Gilbert Community College

Innovation Type:
Resource Development

Description:
myCGC Portal is a one-stop-shop entryway to the web for CGCC students, faculty and staff, which allows them to access a multitude of resources online, including academic check sheets, teacher evaluations, electronic portfolios, class rosters, class schedules, athletic grade checks, academic and career planning tools, a calendar of events, and much more. This tool has created an interactive network where students, faculty and staff can work together to plan for students ‘ persistence and success.

How this project is being recognized:
Dr. Paul M. Pair Innovation of the Year Award

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other1

FastStart at CCD
by
Ruth Brancard, Project Director, Elaine DeLott Baker; Director of Workforce Initiatives; Dr. Levi Crespin, Vice President of Learning and Academic Affairs; Rosalinda Martinez; Educational Case Manager; Ranee Cervania, Curriculum Specialist

Winner Institution:
Community College of Denver

Innovation Type:
Basic Skills and Developmental Education

Description:
Community College of Denver: FastStart@CCD: Ruth Brancard, Project Director FastStart@CCD is an accelerated developmental education learning community that incorporates accelerated course delivery, case management, academic support and career exploration. Students complete two levels of English/reading and/or math and a college experience course in one semester, while defining their education plans. Spring 06 outcomes show that 66.7% of FastStart students were retained after two levels in the developmental sequence, as compared with 35.7% of the comparison group after two levels. Efficiencies include contextualizing and integrating curriculum and adapting syllabi. A cost/benefit analysis of the program demonstrates that increased revenue from retention exceeds program costs. Because the progam is essentially an adaption of instruction and existing college programs, it has great promise for replication and sustainability.

How this project is being recognized:
At the local level, convocation and newspaper coverage; at the national level, disseminsation of research reports and conference presentations.

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

Math Cohort Project
by
Heather Snell Masterson and Linda Franko

Winner Institution:
Cuyhoga Community College

Innovation Type:
Basic Skills and Developmental Education

Description:
The purpose and intent of the Math Cohort Project is straightforward and ingenuous: to assist developmental math students in achieving success. Heather Snell-Masterson and Linda Franko have defined success in both a tangible and a more intangible manner. The goal was to increase the number of students earning a grade of A, B or C in developmental mathematics, and to leave these students with confidence in their ability to continue learning mathematics, and other subjects, in the future. Both these goals have been significantly advanced by the introduction of the Math Cohort project. The initial success of this initiative, first implemented in fall of 2005, prompted expansion to a pilot at the College's western campus in spring 2006. Early positive results from this pioneering work led to expansion at all three of the College's campuses as a key pilot activity in the College's Achieving the Dream implementation grant beginning in fall 2006.

How this project is being recognized:

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

Automotive Fundamentals and College Success Strategies Learning Community
by
Margaret Milne & Mark Hickman

Winner Institution:
Dakota County Technical College

Innovation Type:
Learning and Teaching

Description:
Margaret Milne and Mark Hickman identified the need for and established a learning community between the Automotive Fundamentals course and a required general education course. The goal was to tailor the College Success Strategies course to meet the needs of the automotive students and support their professional goals. Newly created classroom projects related directly to the students’ interest in the automotive industry. This cooperative effort promotes excellence in student learning by helping the automotive students apply the principles of success strategies immediately in their area of major study, thereby reinforcing what they learn and improving retention in both courses.

How this project is being recognized:
newsletter, local recognition

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

El Paso Area College Readiness Consortium
by
Dennis Brown

Winner Institution:
El Paso Community College

Innovation Type:
Leadership and Organization

Description:
In response to data that showed 96% of the first-time-in-college students that placed into Developmental Education courses had graduated from high school less than a year ago, Dr. Dennis Brown, Vice President of Instruction, led the effort to establish what has become the El Paso Area College Readiness Consortium. The Consortium has representatives from the top administration of all 12 El Paso area school districts, El Paso Community College, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), and Region 19 Education Service Center. The goal of the Consortium is to ensure the initial enrollment of college-bound high school graduates is in college-level courses and not Developmental Education. Dr. Brown and Dr. Richard Jarvis, Provost of UTEP, jointly chair the Consortium. Working together, sharing experiences and ideas, the Consortium developed the following protocol for implementation in the high schools: (1) students complete a joint admissions application to EPCC and UTEP; (2) students and parents are given an orientation to the placement test to help them understand its purpose, how the scores will be used, how not doing one’s best can add time to degree completion and cost to their college education, and how to prepare for the exam; (3) students take the test; (4) counselors review the test scores with the student; (5) students not passing all areas of the placement test are given various forms of interventions, and then retested. The protocol also promotes the transition of students into higher education through dual credit courses. Enrollment in dual credit courses requires passing of the placement test, so students can find out the status of their college readiness as early as the junior year. As part of the Consortium initiative most of the districts have applied to become ACCUPLACER test sites so they can set their own schedules for testing.

How this project is being recognized:

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

Sirius
by
Dr. Donald Green, Executive Vice President for Instruction and Student Services

Winner Institution:
Florida Community College at Jacksonville

Innovation Type:
Learning and Teaching

Description:
The SIRIUS Project at Florida Community College is a partnership with McGraw-Hill and a consortium of institutions. Our goal includes a creation of low cost, high-quality, courses delivered in multiple platforms that will lead to greater student retention and success levels. We author a book, CD, and online component that include original and repurposed learning objects and media assets. We take a team approach that involves faculty, instructional designers, and media developers working through a systematic design process. The course designs are interactive and engaging leading to greater retention and success levels. Research is showing a higher success rate and retention level in classes that utilize interactive learning objects as opposed to classes taught in just the traditional lecture format. The Sirius is the brightest star in the sky, and so this project is appropriately named. It creates an environment for both our professors and students which allows for the optimum levels of learning and success.

How this project is being recognized:
awards for most creative, luncheon, conference registration for developers and beta testers

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

Math My Way
by
Nicole Gray, Phuong Lam, Faun Maddux, Rachel Mudge, Kathy Perino, Peter Murray

Winner Institution:
Foothill College

Innovation Type:
Basic Skills and Developmental Education

Description:
Foothill College’s MATH MY WAY program was designed in response to institutional research demonstrating relatively low levels of progression from the bottom levels of developmental math to the achievement of college-level math success. MATH MY WAY re-imagines the typical one-instructor, one-classroom model as an innovative, flexible design centered on a hands-on series of self-paced math learning modules. This model combines patient and caring instruction with a group of students who have similar math skill levels. Along with the small groups and one-on-one attention from the math instructors, students are challenged by computer drills, paper drills, and computer games that reinforce mathematical concepts. The "class" is composed of five teachers and five interns working together as a coherent team. In the end, this new model is dedicated to helping students not only develop math confidence and study skills but also grasp basic math concepts, providing the foundation for success in subsequent coursework and in the real world.

How this project is being recognized:
award ceremony, school e-zine

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

Wisc-Online Resource Center
by
Wisc-Online Team: Kay Chitwood, David Bunnow, Chad Blohowiak, Amy Bodoh, Ann DelPonte, Josh Janikowski, Pam Kuepper, Dean Lodes, Gayla Ross

Winner Institution:
Fox Valley Technical College and the 16 college Wisc-Online Consortium

Innovation Type:
Learning and Teaching: Digital Repository

Description:
The Wisconsin Online Resource Center is a digital repository of web-based teaching, learning and assessment resources for instructors to use with students. The goals of this initiative are to provide an avenue for the development of high quality resources while, at the same time, minimize the cost of resource development by identifying and sharing best practices. 310 faculty from throughout the 16 colleges within the Wisconsin Technical College System, supported by web technicians at Fox Valley Technical College, author and design “learning objects” (activities, text, animation, graphics…) for competencies within the academic and occupational areas of the Wisconsin Technical College System. After learning objects are created and housed in the Wisc-Online Digital Library, individual instructors have the option to pick and choose from the menu of learning objects to customize their online courses, as well as their traditional courses for their students and their personal style.

How this project is being recognized:
One of the learning objects received the Pirelli International Award in May 2006.

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other1

The Archaeology of Maryland Project
by
Dr. Sharon Stowers, Ms. Rhonda Deeg

Winner Institution:
Harford Community College

Innovation Type:
Learning and Teaching

Description:
The cross-disciplinary project brought together Harford’s archaeology and building preservation and restoration programs and multiple community partners. The innovative pedagogical and outreach activity provided a venue for HCC students, secondary school students and teachers, and community members to rally around the rich history of the college, county, and state. Certain classes of the Archaeology of Maryland course were opened to the public without charge. There were hands-on field experiences including a dig at the historic Hays-Heighe House on campus. Future activities include an in-service for public schools teachers, a curriculum guide for student activities, and an archaeology summer camp. The project is of high quality with regional archaeology experts as speakers; it is cost effective in that it is part of a class offering; it can be replicated in any region of the United States; and it is creative in that it brings experts, students and interested community members together.

How this project is being recognized:
Campus announcement and press release

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

Virtual Theatricality Lab
by
George Popovich, Director

Winner Institution:
Henry Ford Community College

Innovation Type:
Learning and Teaching

Description:
The Henry Ford Community College Theater Arts Virtual Theatricality Lab was created to explore new media innovations that are redefining the nature of live performance. The VTL exists to nurture the daring creative visions of performers, designers, and technicians who will embrace the multidimensional technological performance arena of the New Age of theater production. From 04/03-11/06, VTL produced two plays that are unique and unprecedented in the world of live theater. In 04/03, VTL presented Shakespeare’s THE TEMPEST utilizing real time virtual reality and properties. In 11/06-12/06, VTL produced Caryl Churchill’s THE SKRIKER. The show used 3D stereoscopic digital scenery and 3D stereoscopic motion capture to showcase this technically demanding play. Numerous awards and recognition by outside agencies, critics, and theater professionals substantiate the groundbreaking innovations of both plays. Full documentation is is available at: http://www.hfcctheater.com/vtl/index.htm

How this project is being recognized:
Award ceremony, Board of Trustees presentation, Newspaper articles, Etc.

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

Accuplacer - College Placement Test Tutorial
by
Celeste Fenton

Winner Institution:
Hillsborough Community College

Innovation Type:
Basic Skills and Developmental Education

Description:
Dr. Fenton facilitated development of an interactive, multimedia College Placement Test (CPT) tutorial for students applying for admission. The intent of the tool is to: 1) familiarize students with the function of the CPT; 2) increase numbers of students successfully achieving a passing score; 3) reduce pre-enrollment attrition rate; and 4) increase numbers of students able to enroll in credit courses. The CPT Tutorial was beta tested in high schools in the School District of Hillsborough County in 2006 and currently in 2007. The tutorial is a computer based instruction program with a format and question content closely aligned to the College Board’s Accuplacer College Placement Test, while still preserving test integrity. The tutorial includes: • pre-test that evaluates areas to improve upon • mini-lesson reviews for Elementary Algebra, Reading Comprehension and Sentence Skills contain text and multimedia explanations of concepts • “Check for Knowledge” multiple choice quest

How this project is being recognized:
School newsletter, Board Presentation

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

Teaching Mathematics with the PC-Tablet
by
Richard Mitchell

Winner Institution:
Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

Innovation Type:
Learning and Teaching

Description:
“Use of PC Tablets to Teach Math” Using a PC-Tablet and a wired projection screen, Richard Mitchell has found an exciting way of engaging students in the study of mathematics. Recognizing that this generation has grown up with Blackberry and Bluetooth, he is now able to present exciting computer graphics, yet also adapt to students’ questions as they arise. Pen and ink integration allow for easy mark up, editing, annotations and graphics because of the ability to write and draw directly on the computer screen. Not only is Richard able to organize, save, print and email lessons, but also modify, draw perfect 3D geometric shapes and even convert handwriting into text, simply with a click of a pen. In short, this innovation may have paved a new road to a new way of classroom instruction.

How this project is being recognized:
Humber’s annual Innovation Showcase

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

Power Plant Technology Institute
by
Chrys Panayiotou

Winner Institution:
Indian River Community College

Innovation Type:
Workforce Preparation and Development: Learning & Teaching

Description:
This joint program between IRCC and Florida Power & Light (FPL) was designed to address a critical need for well-trained Nuclear Power Plant technicians due to rising energy demands, a stringent regulatory environment and impending workforce shortages. This two-year A.S. degree program is open to current FPL employees seeking advancement, as well as new students who want to prepare for a promising technical career, with guaranteed employment at FPL upon completion. Entry-level wages for program graduates exceed $45,000 per year. Offered in IRCC's Kight Center for Emerging Technologies and on-site at the St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant, the program includes paid summer internships for all students. Students may select from 3 areas of specialization: Instrumentation & Control, Mechanical Maintenance, or Electrical Maintenance. The first 24-student cohort is under way, with a waiting list of over 100 prospective students. The program is projected to produce 48 graduates annually.

How this project is being recognized:
College Awards Ceremony, recognition at Board of Trustees meeting, new release to area media, college newsletter

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other1

Microsoft Access Database
by
Birgit D. Love

Winner Institution:
Johnson County Community College

Innovation Type:
Learning and Teaching

Description:
This innovative application provides program administrators with a management tool that can pull a wide range of information quickly from a comprehensive data base. It combines information on both full-time and adjunct faculty, schedules, contract and attendance data, textbook requirements, etc. in one readily accessible location and makes it possibe for those needing information to find it quickly. This integration into a single database of information, which was previously available only by consulting multiple spreadsheets, has made it possible to achieve a quicker turnaround in developing contracts, producing management reports on budget status and faculty workload as well as obtaining a wide variety of other information. Parts of the database have been customized using Visual Basic to provide a dashboard approach to accessing the information and automate pay increases and title changes. Program administrators can also now answer questions for both students and faculty in minutes rather than hours or days. The end result is that the time needed to accomplish recurring tasks has been greatly reduced while accuracy and consistency have simultaneously been enhanced.

How this project is being recognized:

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

Podcasting in Language Teaching
by
Satoru Shinagawa

Winner Institution:
Kapi'olani Community College

Innovation Type:
Learning and Teaching

Description:
Satoru Shinagawa developed a set of interactive Podcasts that he uses in his Japanese language courses. These Podcasts help students learn vocabulary through text, audio and visual means. Students are presented the text of a word accompanied simultaneously by an audio of its pronunciation to help increase their retention. Visuals are provided for hard to translate words to help increase student comprehension. The Podcasts are interactive so students use them to, not only learn the vocabulary, but also test their comprehension. This combination of text, audio and visual put in Podcasts has significantly increased the ability of students to learn Japanese vocabulary. These Podcasts are available via the Internet and have been used by institutions around the world.

How this project is being recognized:

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

Learning Community: Excavating Creativity - Movement, Image and Text; Three linked courses
by
Margaret Bayless-Faculty, Jeffery Scott Bird-Faculty, Bonnie Simoa-Faculty

Winner Institution:
Lane Community College

Innovation Type:
Learning and Teaching

Description:
This multi-disciplinary Learning Community integrated three courses, movement, drawing, and writing, to explore various ways to uncover and reveal connections to the creative process which often lies below the surface of conscious thought. Students engaged in writing, moving and drawing to search for meaning and form as ways to express who they are, what they think and how they experience the world. Instructors attended and participated in many of each others classes - Dance 172 (Dancing the Fluid Body 2), Art 231 (Intermediate Drawing) and Writing 122 (Composition: Style and Argument) - fostering a unique and powerful synthesis of three separate disciplines.

How this project is being recognized:
Award event, school newsletter, news release

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

Ron Sailors Culinary High School Invitational
by
JoEllyn Zuk and Beth Augustyn

Winner Institution:
Metropolitan Community College

Innovation Type:
Learning and Teaching

Description:
Named for the program’s first Chef Apprentice graduate, this Friday evening/all-day Saturday student culinary competition is held for more than 80 high school students from 21 high schools. Extensive industry donations offset much of the costs for food and supplies and provide multiple scholarships for student winners to attend The Institute for the Culinary Arts at Metropolitan Community College. The Invitational also provides opportunities for current Metro culinary students to mentor a high school team in the months prior to the competition. In true team spirit, all the full-time and many of the adjunct culinary faculty and staff contribute to the success of the Invitational. Leading Chefs from the community volunteer considerable time to judge the contest. This year, spectators exceeded 400, including teachers, principles and parents; it had the energy and spirit of a big-time athletic competition! The event is an innovative approach to connecting with local high school students.

How this project is being recognized:
Award Ceremony and Press Release

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

Biotechnology Program
by
Team of seven: Kerrie Koslowe, Carlos Needham, Bryan Anderson, Heather Belmont, Valentine Negrouk, David Paul, and Merrill Irving

Winner Institution:
Miami Dade College

Innovation Type:
Workforce Preparation and Development

Description:
The Biotechnology Program at Miami Dade College (MDC) was created in response to the growing industry need for a skilled workforce prepared for employment in bioscience industries. The College has created new certificate and degree-awarding programs in Biotechnology, Bioinformatics and Chemical Technology. Under this initiative, the College produced sixteen curricula, negotiated articulation agreements between the College and biotechnology baccalaureate-degree-awarding institutions to facilitate student transfers, and purchased the equipment necessary to fully equip four state-of-the-art laboratories for training in the biosciences. The curriculum was created by an inter-campus, inter-disciplinary team of administrators and faculty members who collaborated with industry leaders to develop a program to meet the employment needs of the industry. The program includes extensive student outreach services to support student enrollment, retention, internships, and job placement. We also offer professional development opportunities for our faculty that include hands-on training workshops and seminars. Faculty use the skills gained from workshops to continually update and address the rapidly evolving skills needed to successfully navigate a career in the biosciences. To address current workforce development needs for incumbent workers, our team works collaboratively with our Biosciences High Growth Job Training Initiative team to provide corporate training and outreach to bioscience organizations. This training assists in the establishment of career ladders and lattices for incumbent workers. Collectively, our program ensures an ongoing collaboration and mutually-beneficial partnership between MDC, our students, and local bioscience companies.

How this project is being recognized:
school newsletter and press release

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

Utilizing Electronic Early Alert System to Maximize Student Potential
by
Carrie Brimhall; Dave Dumbeck; Jennifer Arno; Carol Shipley; Marcus Harrell; Mary Buell; Nancy Rach; Paul Drange; Robert Anderson

Winner Institution:
Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Innovation Type:
Research, Assessment and Accountability

Description:
MSCTC, a multi-campus institution with over 1000 blended students, created an electronic early alert system to maximize communication between faculty, students and staff. The early alert system replaces a casual approach to student referrals and allows faculty to alert staff to both academic and personal needs of students throughout the semester. This early alert referral system is easy for faculty and staff to use and is easily updated with current student information. The Electronic Early Alert system was an initiative of the MSCTC Student Success committee. Monthly meetings created an opportunity to discuss progress, add options, provide feedback from users, etc. We created a way to track communication with our students, use this system for a federally mandated no-show process, and receive feedback from students about the process. During the first pilot semester, 168 faculty submitted 1669 alerts regarding 849 students through the system.

How this project is being recognized:
School newsletter; Newspaper article; Represent at national conferences; Staff recognition ceremony

The criteria this project has met
Quality	Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness	Creativity
Timeliness	Replication
Other

Distance Dental Hygiene Project
by
David Lawrence, Susan Forsyth, Charlene Blanchard, Marsha Bower, Nancy Rivaldo, and Saroj Viswanathan

Winner Institution:
Monroe Community College

Innovation Type:
Learning and Teaching

Description:
The Dental Hygiene faculty have created a pilot project to teach dental hygiene in underserved rural communities outside our normal service area. Through a partnership with Jamestown and Jefferson Community Colleges we have been able to offer our program in three rural communities well outside our service area. Didactic instruction is conducted by MCC faculty in an online mode. Clinical instruction is conducted in each of the three communities by dental hygienists employed as MCC faculty. The goal of the project is to graduate a minimum of 18 students from an initial cohort of 24 students admitted for the Fall 2006 semester.

How this project is being recognized: