The University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges are helping residents across the islands train and provide pathways for in-demand careers—and the nation is taking notice.
The UH Community Colleges marketing campaign that highlights exciting Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs has received top national honors: a gold 2024 Paragon Award from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR). The award for Best TV/Video Advertisement (Series),was announced at NCMPR’s 50th anniversary national conference in March. The UH Community Colleges campaign rose to the top, out of more than 1,570 entries from 210 colleges nationwide.
The winning video series shines a spotlight on non-traditional CTE programs that help Hawaiʻi residents launch rewarding careers while staying close to home. Featured programs include:
- Welding at Honolulu Community College (VIDEO)
- Nursing at Kauaʻi Community College (VIDEO)
- Veterinary Technology at Windward Community College (VIDEO)
Produced in partnership with Honolulu-based marketing agency Olomana Loomis, the videos are part of a larger effort to elevate the visibility of UH’s high-demand career pathways.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious NCMPR Paragon Award,” said Lesli Yogi, director of marketing and communications for the UH Community Colleges. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work, creativity and dedication of our seven campuses’ marketing teams, whose talent and passion brought these student success stories to life.”
Credentials of value
From healthcare and welding to information technology and construction, UH Community Colleges offer a wide range of CTE programs that prepare students for high-growth careers right here in Hawaiʻi. These programs provide credentials of value—meaning students graduate ready to work in fields that are hiring and paying competitive wages.
“Our members are doing the important work of ensuring both prospective and current students know of the potentially life-changing opportunities available at their institutions,” said Virginia Moreland, NCMPR president. “The winning entries demonstrated the incredible creativity, commitment and resourcefulness of community college marketing professionals throughout our organization, and we are so proud to recognize them with the Paragon Awards.”
NCMPR’s Paragon Awards are the only national competition honoring excellence in marketing and communications exclusively among two-year colleges. The organization supports more than 1,600 members from nearly 500 colleges in the U.S. and Canada.
