Bermuda College division wins international acclaim for innovation in education
Bermuda College has received international recognition after one of its divisions was honoured for innovation in continuing education marketing.
The award from the Learning Resources Network (LERN) places the institution among a small group of global education providers acknowledged for excellence in lifelong learning.
The recognition highlights the College’s commitment to exploring new and effective ways of reaching learners and serving the wider community and reflects a focus on innovation, accessibility, and responsiveness in education delivery.
It was presented at a major international conference attended by more than 1,400 lifelong learning professionals from three countries. Only eleven awards were presented, underscoring the significance of the achievement.
The honour was received by the Athora Division of Professional & Career Education (APACE), which was recognised for its innovative approach to target marketing.
The Division was noted for adopting digital techniques to expand its reach and better connect with learners.
In announcing the award, the LERN President William A. Draves, said: “The award is for innovation in the field of lifelong learning and serving communities.
“These awards enhance the quality and involvement in lifelong learning, an absolutely critical component to individual and community quality of life and prosperity in this century.”
He added: “This is the first programme to advertise on YouTube, a new way to reach and serve our communities. They targeted their ads and then analysed the results to get an excellent response with a low cost.”
The award also recognised innovation in lifelong learning and service to communities. Lifelong learning was described as a critical contributor to individual opportunity, community development, and prosperity in the modern era.
Director of APACE, Tawana Flood, accepted the award on behalf of Bermuda College and said the recognition reflected the work of the Division’s team and its commitment to exploring new approaches to outreach and engagement.
Ms Flood said: “While I accepted the award, I accepted it on behalf of everyone at APACE and the team supporting our efforts, as this was a team effort and they need to be applauded for their excellent work.
“We added YouTube to the marketing mix in March last year and since then we have grown the subscriber community by over 250 per cent.
“The goal was to increase awareness of our diverse programming. Digital video is the future of storytelling and YouTube gives us unmatched reach, engagement, and measurability, allowing us to build community and drive long-term growth.
“This award reflects our strategic commitment to telling the Bermuda College story through the world’s leading video platform and innovating in the digital space.”
President of Bermuda College, Dr David Sam, congratulated APACE and praised all those involved. “This international recognition reflects the innovation, dedication, and professionalism that define Bermuda College,” said Dr Sam.
“It highlights the important role our Professional and Career Education programmes play in expanding opportunity and supporting lifelong learning in Bermuda.”
Dr Sam also acknowledged the collective effort behind the achievement. “This success is the result of teamwork and a shared commitment to excellence across the College.
“I commend everyone involved for representing Bermuda College with distinction on the international stage.”
The award highlights Bermuda College’s evolving approach to reaching current and prospective students.
Through the use of targeted digital platforms, APACE explores new techniques to connect with working adults, lifelong learners, and those seeking new or enhanced skills.
The Learning Resources Network (LERN) is an international organisation that supports colleges, universities, and learning institutions through research, training, conferences, and recognition of best practice.
Its work focuses on improving the quality, reach, and impact of lifelong learning worldwide.
For Bermuda College, this recognition reinforces its commitment to innovation and accessibility in education.
It also affirms the College’s role as a leader in continuing and professional education, dedicated to meeting learners where they are and supporting the ongoing development of Bermuda’s community.