Oakton Celebrates Evanston Chamber of Commerce Catalyst Award

Oakton College Leaders, including President Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D., College Board of Trustees Chair Martha Burns and Trustee Micah J. Eimer, M.D., celebrated the Catalyst Award with other community leaders.

Evanston, Ill. (Oct. 20, 2025) – Oakton proudly celebrated the recognition of the Evanston Healthcare Response Collaborative as the recipient of the prestigious Evanston Chamber of Commerce Catalyst Award, presented by Northwestern University leadership and the Mayor of Evanston. The award honors efforts that strengthen partnerships and improve the community.

Through the Collaborative, Oakton has played a vital role in developing programs that prepare students for in-demand healthcare careers while supporting the local workforce. Key initiatives include:


  • The Basic Nurse Assistant Training (BNAT) program with Evanston Township High School (ETHS), which introduces high school students to healthcare careers and provides a direct pathway into Oakton’s health sciences programs.
  • A medical assistant apprenticeship with Northwestern Medicine, offering students the opportunity to earn while they learn, gaining hands-on experience and mentorship within one of the region’s leading healthcare systems.
  • The Oakton College Health Career Education Center in partnership with Endeavor Health, designed to expand access to state-of-the-art training and strengthen the healthcare talent pipeline in the northern suburbs.
Together, these partnerships help build a stronger and healthier community.