Bronx Community College (BCC) hosted its 12th Annual Conference on Community College Excellence (C3E)on Thursday, March 13, 2025, convening educators, researchers and administrators from BCC and other community colleges throughout the region to discuss the roles that innovative curriculum and industry partnerships play in preparing students for a workforce of the future.  

 Interim President Milton Santiago, Provost & Vice President Luis Montenegro and Interim Vice President of the Division for Student Success Manny Lopez provided welcome remarks, setting the stage for the nearly 30 presentations, workshops, and roundtables that followed. About 100 professionals attended the day-long conference, aimed at brainstorming how best to serve community college students’ needs.  

 “This annual gathering is a testament to the dedication, innovation, and collaboration that drive our mission as community colleges—to provide high-quality education and create meaningful pathways to economic mobility,” Dr. Santiago said. “Whether it’s healthcare, technology, clean energy, or advanced manufacturing, we are committed to equipping students for the industries of today and tomorrow.” 

Themes explored at this year’s conference included: 

• Curricular Design and Innovation: Preparing for the Future 
• Building Sustainable Partnerships with Industry 
• Measuring Impact: Outcomes Assessment for Industry Partnerships, Curriculum Innovation 
• Empowering Gen Z: Addressing Essential Needs and Preparing for the Future Workforce 
• AI and the 21st Century College Curriculum 

Workshops were presented by representatives of BCC, Brooklyn College, Hostos Community College, Kingsborough Community College, Lehman College, Medgar Evers College and Queensborough Community College. The Keynote Address, “Empower – Transform – Succeed: It’s Time to Unlock Your True Potential”, was delivered by Dr. Myella Leiba, an award-winning author, business entrepreneur and transformation leader. 

 Dr. Lopez said, “BCC students are not just overcoming challenges – they are developing essential workforce skills in the process. Every day, they adapt, problem solve, embrace technology, collaborate and lead – not in theory, but in reality. These are not just academic qualities; they are life skills that will shape them into future business owners, healthcare workers, educators and changemakers.”