NORFOLK, Neb. -- The Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA) has named Northeast Community College the recipient of the 2025 Community Engagement Award for its Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement (C2A3) nationwide initiative, reflecting the deep commitment to community-connected, student-focused rural development across the United States.
The award was presented at RCCA’s annual conference hosted by East Central College in Union, Missouri, September 16-19.
C2A3 is a network of colleges working directly with USDA and local stakeholders to elevate agricultural education. C2A3 has grown from eight founding institutions across the Midwest to 148 engaged colleges from 16 states across the country, with potential to reach 50 members over the next three years.
“This recognition celebrates results that really matter and create more opportunities for rural students and stronger agricultural communities,” said RCCA President Chris Breitmeyer. “Rural colleges are closest to the work, they partner with employers, meet the students where they are and build pathways that translate into real jobs. Northeast is a standout example of that vision in action.”
“This award is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to students and the rural communities we serve,” said Leah Barrett, president of Northeast Community College. “Through partnerships like C2A3, we’re creating real-world opportunities that empower students and strengthen the agricultural workforce across the region and beyond.”
According to the RCCA, rural-serving community and tribal colleges enroll 3.4 million learners each year across 600 colleges and 800 campuses, serving 89.3 million people who live in rural America. Working with local employers, these open-access institutions provide short-term credentials, apprenticeships, and clear pathways to degrees connected to in-demand jobs. These colleges are workforce engines and the best value in higher education for many rural areas.
Nationally, C2A3 has secured six USDA cooperative and competitive agreements totaling nearly $10 million. This includes funding for applied research, student internships and a leadership program, curriculum development, and professional development for educators. C2A3 also led a coordinated advocacy effort involving over 250 colleges in 48 states, helping secure bipartisan Farm Bill legislation in both the House and Senate with 32 co-sponsors.
About the Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA)
The Rural Community College Alliance champions rural-serving community and tribal colleges through advocacy, convening, resources and research. RCCA’s members include 600 publicly controlled rural community and tribal colleges serving 3.4 million students across 800 campuses and the 89.3 million people who live in rural America. Learn more at ruralccalliance.org.
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