TEMPE, Ariz. (Nov. 25, 2025) — Rio Salado College has been named one of only 30 finalists nationwide for the prestigious 2026 Bellwether Award, which recognizes outstanding and innovative programs in U.S. community colleges.
Rio Salado’s submission, “Building Workforce Pathways for Adult Learners Through Strategic Partnerships,” was selected as a top 10 finalist in the Workforce Development category, which honors programs that create and sustain strategic alliances between colleges and industry partners to meet regional labor market needs.
The recognition highlights Rio Salado’s Integrated Education and Training (IET) model, which bridges noncredit and credit programs to expand access to careers for adult learners. Through a blend of academics, workforce skills, and wraparound support, the model helps students earn high school equivalency diplomas or gain English proficiency, achieve industry recognized credentials, and transition to college or directly into livable-wage jobs.
“Being named a Bellwether finalist is a national acknowledgment of Rio Salado’s innovative spirit and our deep commitment to meeting learners where they are,” said Dr. Kate Smith, president of Rio Salado College. “Our workforce and adult education teams work tirelessly to create accessible pathways that open doors to meaningful careers. This recognition celebrates the power of collaboration between our college, our community, and our students to transform lives.”
Serving more than 6,000 adult education students annually, Rio Salado’s Community Development Division partners with local workforce agencies and employers. The IET model integrates literacy instruction, career coaching, and occupational training. Students can advance their education and enter in-demand fields such as healthcare, business, IT, trades, and applied technology.
“This recognition shines a light on the incredible dedication of our faculty, staff, and community partners,” said Dr. Tamara Cochran, Dean of Community Development at Rio Salado College. “When education is accessible and aligned with workforce realities, it not only changes lives, it strengthens entire communities.”
The program’s success has drawn national attention. In 2023, Rio Salado was selected by Strada Education Foundation for a three-year Beyond Completion Challenge grant to scale the model, and received national recognition from the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning’s (CAEL) Adult Learner Impact Award.
Earlier this year, the Arizona Department of Education named Rio Salado College the state’s 2024–2025 Adult Education Program of the Year, underscoring the college’s leadership in creating equitable educational opportunities for adults across Maricopa County.
The 32nd annual Community College Futures Assembly will convene February 22–24, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, where finalists will present to a national panel of judges.
“We broke last year’s record with a total of 114 submissions from 91 community colleges across 30 states,” said Rose Martinez, Ph.D., director of the Bellwether College Consortium. “The large number of competitive entries reflects the impactful work community colleges are doing nationwide— and the academic and economic boost they provide to their local communities. The consortium looks forward to hosting the 2026 Community College Futures Assembly and recognizing three top colleges with the Bellwether Award.”
About Rio Salado College
Rio Salado College is one of 10 Maricopa Community Colleges and one of the largest online public community colleges in the nation, serving over 40,000 students last year with more than 21,000 online learners both here in Arizona and in all 50 states across the country. Founded in 1978, Rio Salado offers over 600 online classes, 156 degree and certificate programs and general education courses. The college works with local and national partners to create lifelong learning opportunities for military and incarcerated students and serves as Arizona’s largest provider of adult education and dual enrollment instruction.
About Rio Salado College Adult Education
Rio Salado’s adult education classes help thousands of people like you positively affect their lives. Your goals matter, and we can help you:
- Earn your high school equivalency diploma through the GED® test or other pathways
- Improve your English language skills
- Gain essential employability skills
- Train for an exciting career
- Transition to college
Rio Salado’s dedicated instructors, success coaches, college and career navigators, tutors, and staff have helped students reach their individual learning goals, prepare for in-demand careers, and successfully prepare for and transition to college. Learn more or register today at riosalado.edu/adult-education.
About the Bellwether Awards
The Bellwether College Consortium issued a call for nominations in the summer of 2025. Finalists representing 19 states and 29 community colleges were selected to compete from a large pool of submissions. College teams will conduct presentations to a jury of anonymous judges and fellow community college practitioners and CEOs and share how they significantly addressed a critical issue affecting community colleges.
Event co-sponsors include the Association of Community College Trustees, the National Council of Instructional Administrators, the National Council for State Directors of Community Colleges, the National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship, and the National Council for Continuing Education and Training.
Visit the Bellwether College Consortium website for more information, www.bellwethercollegeconsortium.com.