Garden City Community College Receives RCCA Workforce Development Initiative Award
Garden City Community College has received the 2026 Workforce Development Initiative Award from the Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA) for its innovative partnership with empirical Foods to prepare students for careers in industrial manufacturing and address workforce needs in Southwest Kansas.
The award recognizes outstanding programs, partnerships, and initiatives that address regional workforce needs and support economic vitality in rural communities. Emphasis is placed on efforts that strengthen career pathways, align education with workforce demands, and create opportunities for students to enter or advance in high-skill, high-demand fields.
The award was presented during the 2026 RCCA/ATEA National Conference, held Sept. 16–18 at Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia, Mississippi. The conference brought together community college leaders, educators, workforce professionals, industry partners, and other leaders from across the country to share ideas and advance the future of rural community colleges and the communities they serve.
GCCC received the award for its partnership with empirical Foods through the college's Industrial Maintenance Mechanic program. Since the partnership began in 2021, over 45 students have successfully completed the program through a unique model that connects classroom training, employment, and hands-on experience.
Through the partnership, empirical Foods sponsors students to receive Industrial Maintenance Mechanic training at GCCC while also employing them for on-the-job training. Students gain industry experience while completing their education, with employment and job placement opportunities available at the conclusion of the program.
The partnership was developed through collaboration between GCCC and empirical Foods to create workforce training specifically aligned with the company's needs and the demands of the regional manufacturing industry. The model provides students with a direct pathway from education to employment while helping the employer develop a skilled workforce.
"This award recognizes what is possible when a community college and industry partner work together to build a workforce development program around the needs of both students and employers," said Dr. Ryan Ruda, President of Garden City Community College. "Our partnership with empirical Foods has created a pathway where students can earn industry-relevant skills, gain valuable work experience, and move directly into careers while helping meet the workforce needs of our region."
The partnership was built through a shared commitment from GCCC and empirical Foods to develop a program that would meet the needs of both students and industry.
“This began as a unique opportunity to co-build a program from the ground up, while partnering with a community college that was 100% committed to excellence, over the long haul,” said Jay Williams, Director of Operations at empirical Foods. “We are all so proud of the students, past and present.”
The partnership is now expanding to include the Robotics and Mechatronics program as GCCC and empirical Foods continue working together to prepare students for the evolving needs of advanced manufacturing. The expansion builds on the success of the Industrial Maintenance Mechanic partnership and reflects the growing demand for automation and robotics skills in the region’s workforce.
"One of the most rewarding parts of this partnership has been watching students gain confidence, develop valuable skills, and begin meaningful careers right here in our community,” shared Omar Angeles, Program Coordinator at empirical Foods. “empirical Foods is proud to work with Garden City Community College to create opportunities that benefit students while helping meet the workforce needs of our region. This award recognizes the impact that can be made when education and industry work together to invest in people and their future.”
The award reflects the impact of the partnership and the role rural community colleges can play in connecting education, industry, and economic development.
“Garden City Community College’s partnership with empirical Foods is an outstanding example of rural workforce development at its best,” said Christopher Breitmeyer, President of the Rural Community College Alliance. “GCCC has created a direct pathway to high-demand careers while strengthening an industry that is vital to the regional economy. This is what community colleges do, and GCCC is an example of the impact of a rural college on its regional economy.”
The RCCA Workforce Development Initiative Award highlights the important role rural community colleges play in connecting students with careers, strengthening local industries and supporting the economic vitality of their communities.
About The Rural Community College Alliance
The Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA) is dedicated exclusively to the interests of rural community colleges and the students they serve. RCCA provides a collective voice for rural institutions through advocacy, collaboration, shared ideas and partnerships, with a focus on the unique needs and opportunities facing rural America. The Alliance works to strengthen institutions, support student success and highlight the vital role rural community colleges play in their communities.
GCCC President Dr. Ryan Ruda displays the Rural Community College Alliance Workforce Development Initiative Award awarded to GCCC.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.