May 14, 2025
Contact: Amanda Scott
Office:310.413.8269
Office E-mail: amanda.scott@tandtpublicrelations.com
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office is proud to announce that its flagship ICanGoToCollege.com podcast, EDUCATE. ELEVATE., has received the prestigious nationwide Mark L. Olson ‘Best in Show’ Award from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) at this year’s Paragon Awards, along with the western region Gold Medallion Award in the podcast category. With approximately 1,600 members across 600 colleges, the NCMPR is the leading professional development association exclusively serving those working in communication at two-year community and technical colleges.
The EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast is for current and prospective students. It amplifies the voices of community college students, alumni, educators, and administrators, spotlighting the challenges and triumphs in pursuing higher education—particularly for Black and African American students who can gain information about programs, services, and opportunities like guaranteed transfer to the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) campuses and select Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) throughout the nation. Recent data from the California Community Colleges illustrates the ICanGoToCollege.com campaign is working, with overall enrollment numbers for the 2023-24 academic year up roughly 10% over the year prior and Black and African American enrollment up by nearly 13% for the same period.
“Our podcast is a powerful way for us to connect with students and their families—sharing hope, breaking down barriers, and challenging myths about higher education," said California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian. “What makes me especially proud are the impactful stories shared by trusted community voices. Receiving the top national honor out of more than 1,700 entries affirms our commitment to Black student success and validates the deeply meaningful stories we’re telling—stories that inspire, uplift, and reflect the lived experiences of students across California and beyond."
Each 25-minute episode of the podcast is rooted in the belief that higher education can transform lives and communities and has featured guests such as California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber; California Community Colleges Board of Governors Past President Pamela Haynes; Cosumnes River College President and A2Mend Co-Founder Dr. Edward Bush; and California State University, Sacramento President Dr. Luke Wood. Podcast guests help debunk myths and eliminate barriers that prevent Black and African American students from enrolling in and completing college.
The award-winning entry focused on the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision, which declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional and opened doors for a new standard in American education. The award is the highest honor given by NCMPR, which represents colleges across the United States. The final evaluation commended the EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast for its compelling storytelling, robust research, and strategic execution. The podcast is wrapping up its second season, with Season 3 scheduled to launch in September 2025, kicking off with an episode on Artificial Intelligence career pathways and the responsible use of tools by colleges and students.
“While I participated on several of the EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcasts, I’m especially proud of the award-winning episode featuring the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision. Discussions about civil rights in education are important and relevant to this generation of students and educators,” said Past President of the California Community Colleges’ Board of Governors Pam Haynes.
While Paragon Award judges are anonymous, one noted, "Each episode’s topic was timely and relevant. Attention to detail was evident in every aspect, from visuals and audio editing to storytelling, scriptwriting, voice talent, and diverse guest selection. The significant time and effort put into this project also seems to be paying off, as the YouTube channel continues to gain traction.”
The newly renamed award pays tribute to Mark L. Olson, NCMPR’s 1987-88 president and the original visionary behind the Paragon Awards program.
“The California Community Colleges’ EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast delivers thoughtful, transformative content that expands the narrative around what’s possible for our students,” said Cosumnes River College President Dr. Edward Bush. “I am proud to have participated in this national award-winning podcast and truly believe it’s important to share information that can change lives and strengthen communities.”
For more information about the EDUCATE.ELEVATE. podcast or to listen to episodes, visit ICanGoToCollege.com.
The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving 2.1 million students per year. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training; guaranteed transfer to four-year universities; and degree and certificate pathways. As the state’s engine for social and economic mobility, the California Community Colleges supports the Vision 2030, a strategic plan designed to improve student success, our communities and our planet. For more information, please visit the California Community Colleges website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
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