Hobbs, NM — New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) has been selected as the recipient of the Workforce Innovation Award by the Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA). The award recognizes NMJC’s innovative English for the Workplace: CDL Training program, which is making a measurable impact in workforce development and student success.

The English for the Workplace: CDL Training program was created to support Spanish-speaking community members pursuing their Class A CDL license. The course provides tailored instruction in English communication, focusing on trucking industry terminology and real-world workplace scenarios. By breaking down barriers in language and confidence, the program directly increases student success rates and helps meet critical workforce needs in the region.

The RCCA serves as a voice for rural community colleges nationwide, advocating for stronger rural communities through education, workforce development, innovation, and engagement. The organization promotes a more economically, culturally, and civically vibrant rural America through advocacy, convening, leveraging resources, and sharing best practices. 

“This recognition highlights NMJC’s innovative English for the Workplace: CDL Training program, designed to meet the needs of your service area,” said Christopher Bretimeyer, President of RCCA. “Your team has removed barriers to opportunity, built confidence among students, and directly increased success rates in obtaining a Class A CDL license. This impact demonstrates the power of workforce innovation when programs are both community-driven and student-focused.”

Steve Sauceda, Vice President for Workforce Development at NMJC, expressed pride in the achievement, “I am thrilled for the team! There were a handful of individuals who conceived the idea, contributed content, created the workbook from scratch, recruited instructors, and provided support until it was ready to roll out to the public. English for the Workplace: CDL Training caters to the Spanish speakers of the community who need just a little more confidence in their English in the trucking industry. Students develop their speaking and listening skills while learning the jargon and terminology of CDL driving. I am proud of the work this team does and am so happy they are being recognized for their innovation and passion to help students.”

Cruz Castillo, Director of Continuing Education at NMJC, shared how meaningful the recognition is for the team’s efforts, “This is an unbelievable honor to be recognized for the work the team is doing in the community. When we first started building the course, I don’t think I fully understood the impact it could potentially have. All I knew was that if it could help some people get past the language barrier and get a job that could offer a better livelihood, then we’re doing our part. Who knew that a full year later, the work of the team has changed lives? It is incredibly humbling to know and to say that we did that.”

The RCCA formally recognized NMJC’s achievement at the RCCA National Conference, held on September 18, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, where the college was honored alongside other award recipients who exemplify excellence in rural community college innovation and student success.

 

New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) is a leading educational institution committed to providing success through learning and high-quality education to its diverse student body. Founded in 1965, NMJC offers a wide range of academic programs, certifications, services to empower students to achieve their educational and career goals.

Contact: Valerie Onsurez Gauna, Director of Engagement & Outreach, New Mexico Junior College, 575-492-2780, vgauna@nmjc.edu, or Jessica Olivas, Recruiter, New Mexico Junior College, 575-492-2767, jolivas@nmjc.edu