Mid-State Technical College is proud to announce it has been selected as one of six finalists nationwide in the 2026 American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Awards of Excellence in the category of Outstanding College Corporate Partnership. The designation recognizes the College’s partnerships in the campaign to raise $23M for the Wayne H. Bushman Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, and Apprenticeship (AMETA®) Center. Winners will be announced at the Awards of Excellence Gala held during the AACC Annual Conference in Seattle, April 10–14, 2026.

The AACC Awards of Excellence recognize promising practices and high-impact initiatives among community colleges across the United States. This national recognition highlights Mid-State’s ongoing commitment to innovation, student success and strong workforce partnerships. 

Led by business leaders and Mid-State faculty, the AMETA Center campaign mobilized support across central Wisconsin. Their efforts attracted investment from every level of government, private donors and industry representatives, with over 300 partners contributing to the campaign. The partnerships represent a shared commitment to bridging education with real-world industry needs, providing students with practical experiences and helping employers cultivate a skilled talent pipeline. 

“Being named an Awards of Excellence finalist underscores Mid-State’s dedication to preparing learners for success in both their careers and communities,” said Dr. Shelly Mondeik, president of Mid-State Technical College. “We are honored to be recognized alongside renowned institutions for the meaningful collaborations that fuel student achievement and regional workforce development.”

“I’ve seen firsthand how strong partnerships with local businesses made this incredible project possible,” said Wayne Bushman, Mid-State alum and co-chair of the AMETA Center campaign, whose generous $1M donation helped launched the fundraising effort at its inception.

“The AMETA Center came to life because people worked together toward a shared goal,” Bushman added. “From the very beginning, local employers worked side by side with Mid-State to design a facility that truly reflects what our industries need today and in the future. The college listened to our input and worked hard to make sure the training offered at the Center connects directly to real jobs and real skills.”

Finalists for the AACC Awards of Excellence were selected based on demonstrated excellence in program outcomes, innovative practices and contributions to student success and institutional advancement. The Awards Gala presents an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of community colleges nationwide.

Learn more about the AMETA Center at mstc.edu/ameta.