5 minute read
Overcoming Economic Challenges in Southwest Georgia
Dear Regional Employers,
Two tornados, Hurricane Michael, and the COVID 19 Pandemic combined to create the most challenging period in the recent history of Southwest Georgia. Those same challenges impacted Albany Dougherty County to a much greater degree than other communities in our region. Dougherty County has the region’s largest employers, and has the greatest concentration of manufacturers. We contribute to America’s defense through the work performed by skilled artisans and technicians at the Marine Corp Logistics Base. We are the hub of healthcare and shopping for a 75 mile radius.
We congratulate our region’s employers for your efforts to stay Southwest Georgia strong. We understand that it’s been difficult to stay the course. It’s apparent why production, sales, and service took precedent over training. We’ve observed the difficulties that you’ve experienced in filling vacant positions. The Center for Business Solutions at Albany Technical College is ready to do what is required to assist you in adjusting to the new normal.
The college is preparing to refill the pipeline of students so that we can better serve you in the near future. The Center for Business Solutions is preparing a plan to deliver legacy services as well as new services needed in the post COVID environment. Matt Trice and his team are eager to address your needs for training and technical assistance. And as always, you may contact me if I need to better understand your concerns.
Together let’s Rebuild Southwest Georgia and continue to stay Southwest Georgia Strong!
Sincerely,
A technical college curriculum is as unique as the community it serves.
GRANT FUNDS AVAILABLE for Student Scholarships
Students who enroll in credit and non-credit programs through the Center for Business Solutions or other divisions at Albany Technical College may receive financial assistance in the form of two grants designed to help Southwest Georgians improve their skills for the workforce.
A Workforce Development Program has been implemented by Albany Tech in partnership with Southern Regional Technical College. This program will be funded with the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funds appropriated to Georgia by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This program will support workforce development and training activities for low-income and moderate-income individuals residing or working in the eligible counties impacted by Hurricane Michael in October of 2018. This program is organized in partnership with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG).
“Albany Technical College plans to use our portion of the grant to give students in our region the tools they need to succeed and fill open jobs in the area. The goal is for the students to graduate and earn enough income to make a positive impact on the rest of the economy, and most importantly their families,” says Anthony Parker, President of Albany Technical College. Through grant funding, students can enroll in credit programs in the form of Degrees, Diplomas, and Technical Certificates of Credit. There are also certain non-credit Continuing Education programs that fall under the grant. Those who meet the grant criteria can use grant funds to enroll in the following Continuing Education classes at Albany Tech:
• Forklift Operator’s Training and Certification
• OSHA-10 Certification
• Georgia Real Estate Pre-License
Salesperson Course
• Microsoft Office courses (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
For more information on the Rebuild Southwest Georgia Recovery Training Program and how to apply for scholarship funds, contact Albany Tech’s Grant Director Michelle Lilly-Williams at mlilly@ albanytech.edu. or 229-430-3580. For more information about this grant, visit albanytech.edu/rebuild.
DEFENSE COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND GRANT
Albany Technical College has been selected as a recipient of a $50,000 Defense Grant, offered by the Technical College System of Georgia Office of Workforce Development. This will directly impact the lives of military personnel and their spouses in the local community. This grant specifically seeks to aid military personnel who are transitioning out of military service into civilian life. The spouses of active-duty military personnel are also eligible to apply for the grant. Recipients of the grant funds must complete their programs of study by May 30, 2022.
Under the grant agreement, Albany Technical College in collaboration with the City and County Governments of Albany, Dougherty County will provide career and technical training services to the military personnel who are transitioning out of service and military spouses. These individuals will be eligible to take Technical Certificates of Credit (TCC) and/or Continuing Education courses, which will allow them to use the training within the local workforce region or upon transferring to another station for duty. Below you will see some of the examples of opportunities available to these individuals: Upon completion of the training, participants will be eligible for internships through the City of Albany and Dougherty County. The participants will have the option to intern within various governmental departments which aligns with their program of study.
“We’ve long held military families who have served our country in high regard, and have worked diligently with the community to train and place these honored citizens in decent, good-paying jobs in our community. This grant just reiterates the goals and objectives set forth by the Technical College System of Georgia in rural workforce development,” stated Dr. Anthony Parker, President of Albany Technical College.
“We are excited Albany Technical College was awarded this defense grant to provide educational opportunities for our transitioning active-duty personnel and their spouses,” said Col. Michael Fitzgerald, commanding officer, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany.
• Quality Assurance Specialist (Lean Six Sigma Green Belt) • Health Care • Phlebotomy • Nurse Aid Certificate • Diesel Technology • Microsoft Office • Real Estate Pre-Licensing To find out more about the Defense Community Economic Development Fund Grant, contact Tracy Wallace at 229-430-3867 or twallace@albanytech.edu.
