The Founder’s Circle Award was established by National Skills Coalition’s Board of Directors in 2023 in honor of founding CEO Andy Van Kleunen. The award is given annually to leaders in the public, private, and philanthropic sectors who have leveraged their influence to further NSC’s mission and impact.   

The Dr. Alma Salazar Bridge Builder Award was established by the National Skills Coalition’s board of directors in 2021 in memory of their beloved fellow board member and one of the most important leaders in the organization’s history. The award is given annually to a member of NSC’s network who exemplifies Alma’s commitment to bringing together uncommon allies in support of inclusive skills policy. 

Advocacy is a long game. Policy and systems change, organizing, and narrative shifts do not happen overnight. Rather, it takes years to build public and policymaker understanding of issues and develop authentic and meaningful partnerships. The Long-Game Award honors the advocacy resilience showcased by an organization and the dedication and leadership exemplified through ongoing efforts to create a more equitable workforce system.  

The Bright Star Award recognizes an individual with increasing influence and impact in the workforce development field. This award honors individuals who are actively strengthening their position as a skills training champion and expanding their leadership within NSC’s network through state and/or federal level-advocacy. 

The Fact Finder Award recognizes an organization that effectively leveraged research and data to advance policies and/or investments that support an equitable and inclusive workforce system. This award honors the capacity, strategy, and leadership required to build public and policymaker understanding of skills training issues and/or advance investments or policy reforms that address issues using research and data.  

The Messenger Award recognizes an individual that effectively leveraged strategic communications tactics to advance policies and/or investments that support an equitable and inclusive workforce system. This award honors the capacity, strategy, and leadership required to build public and policymaker understanding of skills training issues and shift existing narratives around these issues to ensure investments or policy reforms center the needs of workers and businesses today.