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The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) Department of Workforce & Job Readiness is pleased to announce that CCAC student Minnie Jones has been awarded the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Employers (PennACE) ‘JoAnne Day Student of the Year’ Award (Associate Degree category). Through the award, PennACE recognizes the achievements and contributions made by undergraduate students enrolled at member institutions who have completed an internship or co-op. One recipient in each of the four award categories—Business, STEM, Liberal Arts and Associate Degree—is recognized and awarded with a plaque and $500 check.

Minnie Jones

Jones, of Whitehall, is in her last semester at CCAC where she is studying civil engineering. During her tenure at the college, Jones has been active in many clubs and organizations at South Campus. In addition to being a work-study employee in the Student Life Department, she was secretary for the Student Government Association and for the Improv, Film and Theatre Club. She was also a student ambassador and a member of the Campus Activities Board, Women on a Mission, Campus Enhancement Committee, Stand for the Silent, Gaming Society and softball team. She also pursued her love for the theater by performing on stage and participating in marketing campaigns for the Film and Humanities departments.

Outside of CCAC, Jones has been a mentee and ambassador for Vibrant Pittsburgh’s Connections Accelerator Mentorship Program (CAMP). The program matches underrepresented college students with mentors who are professionals in their field of study and help mentees learn about job opportunities in the field. Students experience real-life work environments, discuss their goals and gain a better understanding of careers in the Pittsburgh region. Jones is also part of the Pathway to Professional Careers program, which is a partnership between CCAC, Point Park University and Partner4Work. As a participant, she was connected to Partner4Work’s Learn & Earn paid summer internship program and was selected to be a civil engineering intern by construction firm PJ Dick, Trumbull and Lindy Paving. Through the internship, she enhanced her knowledge of the engineering field, secured hands-on experience working on construction sites, learned about project management and expanded her professional network. Her work ethic, professionalism and enthusiasm resulted in her successfully completing her internship and impressing the committee members for the JoAnne Day Student of the Year Award.

“Minnie Jones is a very impressive student, and she has had a stellar year with all that she has been able to accomplish,” said Dean Jolin, executive director of Workforce & Job Readiness at CCAC. “She is extremely focused and diligent while also being receptive to feedback, which helped her to attain some amazing opportunities. She has been an inspiration to me and many others at CCAC and beyond.”

Building on her success, Jones is currently an apprentice with the Pittsburgh Public Allies program, where she is once again working with Vibrant Pittsburgh. Upon completion of her studies at CCAC, she plans to transfer to Point Park University in the fall where she will study civil engineering.

To learn more about the JoAnne Day Student of the Year Award, visit: pennace.info/joanne-day-award.

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