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WINSTON-SALEM — Forsyth Technical Community College is proud to announce that its College Lift program has been named a finalist for the prestigious Bellwether Award, which honors innovative and effective programs in community colleges nationwide. The Bellwether College Consortium selected 30 finalists from a highly competitive pool of applicants, recognizing those who are at the forefront of best practices in community college education.

The Bellwether Award, often referred to as the “Heisman Trophy” for community colleges, is awarded in three categories: instructional programs and services, workforce development, and planning, governance, and finance. Forsyth Tech’s College Lift is a finalist in the Workforce Development category for its transformative approach to increasing economic mobility and redefining postsecondary success for underserved communities.

College Lift is a unique, seven-year pipeline program designed to support low-income, first-generation students from sixth grade through postsecondary education. By offering a combination of academic enrichment through Saturday Academies, family empowerment workshops, and a network of strong community partnerships, College Lift provides students and their families with the tools they need to thrive.

“We are honored to be recognized as a Bellwether Finalist for our work in creating pathways to postsecondary success for students who face barriers,” said Dr. Janet Spriggs, president of Forsyth Tech. “College Lift embodies our commitment to equitable access and economic mobility, and we are proud of the life-changing impact this program has on our students and their families.”

The finalists will present their programs at the upcoming Community College Futures Assembly, where they will compete for the Bellwether Award in their respective categories. The winners will be announced at the conclusion of the event.