UNM-LA Students to Participate in Leadership Workshop

Los Alamos, NM – On April 10, Accelerate program students from six institutions of higher education around northern New Mexico will have an opportunity to learn and practice listening and other communication skills in a fun and engaging workshop. Held at the University of New Mexico – Los Alamos (UNM-LA), the event and is entitled Leadership Through Communication.

Accelerate is a pilot program of the Regional Development Corporation in collaboration with Santa Fe Community College, Luna Community College, New Mexico Highlands University, Northern New Mexico College, the University of New Mexico - Taos, and the University of New Mexico - Los Alamos. The program aims to increase retention, career readiness, and certificate and 2-year technical degree completion of non-traditional students. More than 500 students have been served by Accelerate to date.

Throughout the academic year, the Accelerate program’s Career Technical Advisors serve as coaches, advisors, and mentors to help students navigate through any issue that might affect their school work. They also help students find internship opportunities and facilitate career readiness training to prepare students for the workforce.

Leadership Through Communication is the final event in a series of career readiness training classes and workshops held during the 2014-2015 academic year. Communication skills are ranked first among a job candidate’s “must have” skills and qualities, according to a 2010 survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

David Markwardt, Director of Teamwork in Action at Santa Fe Community College, and leadership skills trainer for Leadership Santa Fe, will facilitate the workshop that will provide students with an opportunity to learn and practice listening and other communication skills through experience-based learning activities. According to Markwardt, “Experience-based learning uses a holistic approach that addresses the cognitive, emotional and physical aspects of the participants. It is based on the theory that the most effective way to learn is by doing.”

Leadership Through Communication will be held on Friday, April 10, 2014, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm in buildings 2 and 6 at UNM-LA. A free lunch and door prizes will be offered, and students completing the workshop will earn a stipend and a Certificate of Completion.

For specific details about Accelerate, contact Carla Rachkowski, Accelerate Program Manager, at carla@rdcnm.org, or go to www.acceleratenm.org.