Westmont’s College Career Resource Center earned a 2026 Handshake Career Spark Award on Nov. 1, landing among the nation’s top career services teams for its success in
launching graduates into early career opportunities nationwide.
Handshake selected Westmont as one of only 40 winning institutions from a network of more than 1,600 colleges and universities. The national honor places Westmont in the top 2% of career centers nationwide.
The awards recognize schools that maximize Handshake to drive student participation,
build employer partnerships and track career outcomes. Handshake connects 20 million
students with more than 1 million employers ranging from Fortune 500 companies to
non-profits and school districts.
"This award reflects the daily commitment of our team to walk alongside Westmont students, equipping them to discern their passions, grow as thoughtful leaders and transition confidently into meaningful careers and callings," said Lori Ann Bañez, director of the Career Resource Center. "Our goal is to help every student gain clarity and confidence as they take their next steps, both during their time on campus and long after graduation."
Westmont has used Handshake since 2017 to connect students directly with recruiters and customized career programming. The platform evaluated performance data from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 to select this year's winners.