Celebrating the Leaders Shaping What’s Next 

Every year, the NC3 Visionary Awards recognize the educators, administrators, and industry champions who are transforming lives through Career and Technical Education. 

These individuals are more than award recipients. They are builders of opportunity, champions of innovation, and leaders who believe students deserve access to the skills, experiences, and certifications that lead to meaningful careers. 

At the 2026 NC3 Annual Leadership Summit, NC3 proudly honored a distinguished group of educators and industry leaders whose work continues to strengthen the connection between education and industry while helping students thrive in an ever-evolving workforce. 

From industry to community and technical centers and high schools across the nation, this year’s honorees reflect the passion, collaboration, and commitment that drive the NC3 network forward. 

Recognizing Visionary Leadership 

The future of workforce development depends on leaders who are willing to embrace innovation and create new opportunities that prepare students for success. 

This year’s Founders Award and Leadership Award recipients have done exactly that. 

Through a commitment to collaboration, these individuals have built and strengthened partnerships between education, industry, and community. Their efforts have expanded access to industry-recognized certifications, aligned programs with workforce needs, and created pathways that enable students to transition successfully into high-demand careers. 

Beyond their institutions and organizations, their influence can be seen throughout the communities they serve. By fostering meaningful connections between employers and educators, they are helping develop a skilled workforce, supporting economic growth, and strengthening the social fabric that enables communities to thrive. 

Founders Award Recipients

The Founders Award is NC3’s highest honor, given to a leader who has made a lasting impact on CTE at a national level. This recipient is celebrated for their dedication to building meaningful industry-education partnerships, expanding access to certification opportunities, and advocating for workforce development initiatives that empower students and communities.

Leadership Award Recipients

The Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding member who has championed the growth of industry-recognized certifications and inspired colleagues to innovate within their programs. This year’s honoree is known for their ability to bring together educators, employers, and policymakers to drive measurable outcomes for students and industry.

Celebrating Excellence in the Classroom 

Behind every successful technical education program is an educator who inspires students to dream bigger, work harder, and discover what’s possible. 

The 2026 Instructors of the Year have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to student success by creating engaging learning environments, embracing industry-recognized certifications, aligning with local and national workforce and industry leaders, and preparing learners with the skills employers need today. 

Their influence extends far beyond the classroom. They serve as mentors, advocates, and role models, inspiring both students and fellow educators to pursue excellence. 

Instructor of the Year Recipients

The Power of Partnerships

What makes the NC3 network unique is the collaboration between education and industry. 

The accomplishments of this year’s Visionary Award recipients demonstrate what’s possible when educators, administrators, employers, and industry partners work together toward a shared goal: preparing the next generation of skilled professionals. 

Whether launching new programs, expanding certification opportunities, creating innovative learning experiences, or helping students gain confidence in their abilities, these leaders are making a measurable impact every day. 

Their work is helping close workforce gaps, strengthen local economies, and ensure students graduate with both the knowledge and credentials needed to succeed. 

Looking Ahead

As workforce needs continue to evolve, the importance of Career and Technical Education has never been greater. 

The 2026 Visionary Award recipients remind us that meaningful change begins with passionate individuals who are willing to lead, innovate, and invest in the future of their students. 

NC3 is honored to celebrate their achievements and grateful for the impact they continue to make across our network. 

Congratulations to the 2026 NC3 Visionary Award recipients. Your leadership, dedication, and commitment to student success are shaping what’s next for Career and Technical Education.