Insights

LEADERSHIP ALBANY VISITS ALBANY TECH

Leadership Albany, Class of 2022, visited campus, specifically the Carlton Construction Academy, Engineering programs. Members were informed of different programs offered and even participated in hands-on activities including flying drones and creating electrical circuits.

Dr. Anthony O. Parker addressed members about the importance of Technology and Innovation and ATC’s role in providing workforce ready students. Additionally, guest speakers Terry Ho, a local small business innovator, and Ben Andrews from GA Tech’s Advanced Technology Development Center, spoke to the members as well.

AN ELECTRIFYING VISIT

LEADERSHIP ALBANY

WRITTEN BY: DR. BANDARA GAMINI

It was an electrifying visit for the 2022 Leadership Albany Class when they visited Albany Technical College. Acquainting themselves of the educational opportunities in Albany is one mission of Leadership Albany. Above and beyond mere acquaintance, hands-on experiences in the labs the participants were impressed with Albany Tech; they now know we have some of the best facilities and personnel of any educational and training institution. Their visit highlighted the Leadership Albany Class February program “Reimagine: Technology & Innovation”

The Engineering Technology lab tours were coordinated by Dean Lisa Harrell, graduate of Leadership Albany.

Leadership Albany Class visited the Rapid Prototyping lab, where they saw real world applications of 3D printers. Prof. E. Mallory discussed with the Leadership Albany Class the educational benefits of 3D printing, the growing world of 3D printing which makes rapid prototyping more effective by giving students a tangible learning platform. From concept to creation, students in the Engineering Graphics program can expand their skills and challenge their creativity through rapid prototyping with 3D printing. Prof. Mallory demonstrated a variety of software, including Autodesk products (Revit, AutoCAD, and Inventor) and SolidWorks used in the lab along with the 3D printing, (ABS, PLA, specialty printer which uses a compressed power and resin combination, and one printer which uses a steel metal composite material with ceramic supports) scanning, and laser cutting technology available to the students. She explained how the program works closely with community partners to bridge the gap between the current supply and demand needs of small items that can quickly be reverse engineered and reproduced in the lab.

Dr. Yahya, Chairperson of the Sustainable Renewable and Alternate Energy Program, discussed with the Leadership Albany Class the new program on sustainable/renewable energy at Albany Technical College. He also discussed the importance of renewable and alternate energy for environmental reasons, energy independence, mitigating volatile fossil fuel markets, and also independence for clients who want to generate their own energy. He also described the instructional program, which builds on existing electrical construction, especially circuits and wiring, with additional coursework in renewable energy technologies, photovoltaic systems, installation for both large scale farms and residential roof-top, and maintenance.

Dr. Yahya demonstrated the indoor lab for training students on solar PV technology, installation, and troubleshooting/ maintenance. Due to the connections made with the Leadership Albany Class, the Sustainable Renewable and Alternate Energy Program already has made leads for internships to full time employment opportunities for students The next stop was the newly implemented state-of-the art electronics lab. This lab provides our students with skills and knowledge for them to be productive employees from day one. From basic electronic components, circuits, troubleshooting to advanced automation and controls, the laboratory is a learning environment of excellence. Under the direction of students in the electronics program, the Leadership Albany Class first built a circuit using an online simulation package from PhET, developed under Dr. Carl Wieman (of the Bose–Einstein condensate and 2001 Nobel Prize in Physics.) Next the students built an actual real-life circuit, using a DC power supply, breadboard, LED, motor and a switch. The group activity in the electronics lab provided a forum for the participants to better know each other.

The participants, with their increased knowledge of Albany Technical College’s excellence in Engineering technology, provided an avenue of familiarity of locally available training and educational opportunities.

According to Leadership Albany and Albany Technical College liaison Dean Lisa Stephens, graduate of Leadership Albany, the 2022 Leadership Albany Class was abundantly impressed with the experience, the highlight of their day.

In meeting the needs of The Leadership Albany program, the Albany Technical College visit fulfilled their goal of “Reimagine: Technology & Innovation” learning and experiencing first-hand the leading-edge innovation and technology are being used to push our businesses and community forward and create better outcomes for its residents and stakeholders.

HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY

New Options Available

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Adult Education Main Office Artesian Hall, Room 118 Albany Technical College 1704 South Slappey Blvd Albany, GA 31701 Phone: (229) 430.1620 Email: adulted@albanytech.edu

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Albany Technical College had a special presentation featuring the Adult Education Department Thursday, January 20. Adult Education discussed services along with new initiatives that include obtaining a high school equivalency while training for a new career. Dr. Cayanna Good, Assistant Commissioner with the Technical College System of Georgia, Adult Education, attended.

“Everyone needs to make a living wage, and in today’s world, you are required to have a certain level of education. Not everyone has a high school diploma for various reasons and life circumstances. Through our opportunities here at the college in Adult Education, a person can easily complete the equivalent of a high school diploma and move on to earn a career through a multitude of diploma and degree options,” stated Anthony Parker, President of Albany Technical College.

The Adult Education Program’s mission has always focused on educational opportunities for students through necessary basic skills -- reading, writing, computation, speaking and listening -- to compete successfully in today’s workplace. A student has never had more choices than today, with multiple options for achieving a high school equivalency. Two computer-based testing (CBT) pathways are available through testing centers or proctored at home: the GED® test or the HiSET® exam. ATC Adult Education also offers a workforce-based solution to a high school equivalency (HSE) through joint enrollment called Career Plus HSE.

Linda Coston, Vice President of Adult Education, said, “Our department works with a person one-on-one from the beginning, assessing present skills, counseling, and advising as to the best choices available to obtain high school equivalencies. We take it one step further with career path options making sure that students see the choices available and is on the right track at the college.”

Students can now obtain a high school equivalency without taking a high-stakes test or transfer in high school credits for parts of the GED test that they have already taken. Online high school courses are available 24/7 with 100% financial aid assistance. A student does not need to wait to enroll in college courses if they complete the High school Equivalency before they graduate from college. Earning a high school equivalency increases a person’s paycheck by an average of $8,000 per year (source: US Bureau of Statistics).

ATC ADULT EDUCATION PROVIDES THESE SERVICES:

• Assessment of present skills • Counseling and advisement • Dual Enrollment in post-secondary education - Ability to Benefit (ATB) • No cost instruction English as a Second Language (ESL) classes • Virtual (online) classes • Equipment Loaner Program • Accelerated (Fast-Track) Classes • High School Equivalency (HSE) test fees

FOUNDATION RECEIVES DONATION

FROM GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF THE SOUTHERN RIVERS

Albany Tech Foundation received a $140,000 gift donation from Goodwill Southern Rivers (Goodwill) to create an endowment fund known as a Goodwill Gap Fund to support student grants and awards outright over the first four years of the gift. The Goodwill grant is part of a $1 million initiative to assist seven technical colleges with student scholarship gap funds. “The opportunity to help our students by working with Goodwill is going to support students directly as they pursue their degrees. This agreement is supplementary, fulfilling our mission and providing educated employable citizens,” stated Dr. Anthony Parker, President of Albany Technical College. The Goodwill Gap Fund will be available for students starting February 2022.

SNICKERS MARATHON

Albany Technical College participated again this year as a water station support for the Albany the SNICKERS® Marathon. It is one of the top Boston Qualifiers in the country. The marathon and half marathon course was filled with supportive volunteers, cheering spectators and the chance to make great friends. This year we had 28 volunteers show up at the Albany Tech tent representing the college. A big thanks to the students in Medical Assisting for all their help volunteering. The marathon is a success because of the volunteer support of the community and the tireless efforts of the Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau.

MILESTONE

50 COMMERCIAL TRUCK DRIVING GRADUATE IN THE FALL

Albany Technical College has reached a milestone with 50 students completing the Commercial Truck Driving Program for Fall 2021. This is an Albany Technical College record number of graduating students. The program is offered in 8-week terms, Monday through Friday, with a choice of daytime or nighttime classes. The objective is to provide the student with the knowledge and hands-on training necessary to obtain a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the towed vehicle is heavier than 10,000 pounds. “Reaching 50 graduates from the Commercial Truck Driving Program is momentous. Commercial truck drivers and diesel technicians have been in high demand in our region and across the country,” commented Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Technical College. “The Transportation Academy has the potential to speak to and solve a twofold workforce need. By intentionally focusing our efforts on career training in these areas, we present a path forward to those who reside in our community who are looking for a job that pays well and offers health benefits.” With these jobs, people can support themselves and their families and build a great future. The benefit to the community is that the Transportation Academy graduates provide local industries with a qualified and trained pool of talent. This ensures a robust system in our community to move the goods made here to market in a cost-effective, competitive manner. Dennis Oliver, Chair/Instructor of Commercial Truck Driving, says “Before students enter the program, they need to download the “CDL prep” app from Apple or Android Play store. It’s free and this is a study guide for general knowledge, combinations, and air brakes. This study guide is necessary to obtain AP license at the local DMV before entry to our Commercial Truck Driving class.”