State chamber announces 2025 Superstars in Education & Training winners

There is no question that a healthy economy requires a strong workforce. A skilled and educated workforce draws businesses to Delaware, and encourages existing businesses to stay and expand here. Whether college-bound or preparing for a technical or trade job, individuals need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to be successful. Superstars in Education and Training seeks to celebrate innovative programs that contribute to developing the state’s workforce of today and tomorrow.

Since 1989, the awards program has been recognizing educational programs for innovative and impactful programming. This year, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and its affiliate, The Partnership Inc., have streamlined the application process and enhanced focus on measuring collaboration and impact. The awards program also introduced a new category, corporate training, designed to recognize businesses that are actively upskilling and developing talent within their organizations.

While many go through the rigorous application process, only a handful of honorees are selected each year. An award is given to one independent training and certificate provider, a higher education program, a corporate training program and a Delaware high school. Awards of Excellence are also granted to deserving programs. These winners will be recognized during an awards luncheon at the second annual Navigating Delaware Pathways: An Education and Workforce Development Summit, to be held Tuesday, April 29, at Bally’s Dover Hotel & Casino.

The Superstars in Education and Training program honorees for 2025 are:

Pathways to Success, Independent Training and Certificate Provider category: The Pathways to Success program empowers underserved students in Delaware by providing them with the skills, mentorship and resources needed to break the cycle of poverty and achieve success. Currently serving 400 students and impacting over 3,000 in the last 19 years, PTS places dedicated coordinators in multiple high schools statewide to offer daily support, one-on-one mentoring and after-school sessions. The program also emphasizes career readiness, offering training in customer service, teamwork, resume writing, interviewing and leadership. Rooted in the CARE model, focused on consistency, authenticity, respect and empowerment, PTS ensures that students receive the guidance they need to graduate and transition into higher education, the workforce or the military with long-term success.

M. Davis & Sons Welding Training Program, Corporate Training Program category: The M. Davis & Sons Welding Training Program gives employees the opportunity to upskill and advance their careers. For more than 26 years, the company has offered voluntary, in-house training twice a week, led by AWS-certified instructors. Employees can practice different welding techniques, earn new certifications and qualify for higher wages based on their skill level. The program is open to full-time employees with welding experience, including those who started through vocational programs or co-op positions. With dedicated training spaces and hands-on instruction, M. Davis & Sons is ensuring both career growth for its employees and a steady pipeline of highly skilled welders ready for any project.

Delaware Technical Community College, Higher Education Program category: Delaware Technical Community College’s Commercial Driver’s License program prepares students for careers in the trucking industry with a 240-hour course that combines classroom instruction with hands-on training. Students gain experience driving diesel-powered tractor-trailers on a private range and public roads, as well as using a CDL simulator to practice challenging driving conditions. With small class sizes and flexible scheduling options, the curriculum covers truck operation, cargo handling, inspections, trip planning and industry regulations. Graduates earn a CDL Class A license, opening doors to good-paying jobs in high demand across multiple industries.

MOT Charter High School, High School Program category: MOT Charter High School’s Career and College Ready Capstone Program immerses students in real-world STEM experiences while preparing them for college and careers. Working within a simulated company structure, students take on leadership roles, and collaborate on engineering and technology projects aligned with their career interests. With more than 50 project options, students apply STEM knowledge while developing key skills like project management, teamwork and communication. Guided by industry mentors, alumni and college professors, students refine their technical and professional competencies. The program culminates in a formal presentation to an expert panel, where students showcase their work and receive valuable feedback.

Award of Excellence recipients for 2025 are: Polytech Adult Education, Practical Nursing (Higher Education Program); The WRK Group, The RISE Program (Independent Training & Certificate Provider); and DEMEC, Lineworker Training Program (Corporate Training Provider).