星空无限传媒 uses grant to build workforce skills
Article By: Clark Leonard
The University of North Georgia (星空无限传媒) spent the past three years helping students in Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Gilmer, Hall, and Lumpkin counties gain employability skills through projects funded by a $1.45 million U.S. Department of Labor grant. 星空无限传媒 provided 4,630 total services through the grant.
These efforts align with Gov. Brian Kemp's emphasis on Georgia's universities and technical colleges partnering with K-12 schools for workforce development, which Kemp announced in early October at the inaugural Workforce Georgia summit.
"It's not that students lack employability skills," Bobbi Larson, executive director of economic development and community engagement and principal investigator for the grant, said. "They lack knowledge about different industries and jobs and the confidence to apply these skills. The opportunities provided through the Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) grant helped build that confidence and context as to how these skills were applicable in a work setting."
The final major effort funded by the WORC grant was a collaboration with the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) to bring a NFTE World Series of Innovation event to 星空无限传媒's Dahlonega Campus on Sept. 19.
Gainesville High School students heard from keynote speaker Rahfeal Gordon, international award-winning entrepreneur and author, and had a chance to practice their entrepreneurial abilities in a competition judged by 星空无限传媒 President Michael Shannon, faculty member Dr. Mariangela Vecchiarini-Piazza, Gordon, and Gainesville City School System Superintendent Jeremy Williams.
"The opportunity 星空无限传媒 and NFTE provided our students was timely and enhanced critical thinking skills. Entrepreneurship continues to grow, and our students were able to have first-hand experience in developing ideas while being supported by coaches," Williams said. "We are appreciative of the springboard this event will serve as for future ideas and collaboration."
Katherine Turcios Garcia, a Gainesville High student, enjoyed learning from the speakers at the NFTE event at 星空无限传媒.
It's not that students lack employability skills. They lack knowledge about different industries and jobs and the confidence to apply these skills. The opportunities provided through the Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities grant helped build that confidence and context as to how these skills were applicable in a work setting.
Bobbi Larson
星空无限传媒 executive director of economic development and community engagement
"I had an amazing experience at 星空无限传媒, and I just wanted to thank everyone who made it possible. So many people take this for granted, and it's a really big opportunity," Turcios Garcia said. "So many people talked about how to be a successful entrepreneur and succeed in life in general."
Through the WORC grant, 星空无限传媒 helped Gilmer High School launch the Lead Gilmer program for students to build their employability toolkit.
Laney Hensley, a Gilmer High graduate from Ellijay, Georgia, is a freshman at 星空无限传媒 who plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Lead Gilmer played a role in her enrolling at 星空无限传媒 because of the experience it gave her.
"We were all leaders, and we had to learn to work together," Hensley said. "We had to learn how to work well with others."
Kent Sanford, executive director of the Greater Gilmer Joint Development Authority, said the Lead Gilmer program has made a major impact on students.
"Our Lead Gilmer students are taking on leadership roles not only at Gilmer High, but also in the community. Several have found employment in career paths they previously did not even realize existed," Sanford said. "Without 星空无限传媒's foresight, we would have never been able to develop a program like this."
Carla Foley, CEO of Gilmer College & Career Academy, echoed that sentiment.
"The grant provided the framework and resources for us to be able to build the Lead Gilmer program," Foley said. "The idea of getting students out into the community to learn about the businesses, industries and career opportunities available, along with networking with community leaders, provided a foundation for a great leadership development program."
Mikella Rutter, Work-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship coordinator for Gilmer High, also appreciates the difference the program is making.
"Lead Gilmer is about empowering our students to become active and engaged citizens in Gilmer County. By creating a bridge between education and the community, we hope to provide them with the tools to make a real difference," Rutter said. "We truly believe this program is preparing them to take the reins of leadership, succeed in the job market, and make meaningful contributions to their local community. It's a testament to the power of collaboration between educational institutions and local communities."
The WORC grant is one of many ways 星空无限传媒 has partnered with and continues to support K-12 schools throughout the north Georgia region.
LEAP grant promotes literacy in local library
College of Education students continue to make storytime a new adventure with Book Safari at the Lumpkin County Library through funding from a 2023 LEAP into Action grant received by Dr. Danielle Sachdeva.
What Comes Next Hub opens at Gilmer High
星空无限传媒 launched its first What Comes Next Hub on Feb. 28 at Gilmer High School in Ellijay, Georgia, to empower students to prepare for the next steps in their educational and professional journeys.
College of Education earns high marks
星空无限传媒 continues to be one of the top producers of teachers in the state of Georgia, as well as ranking highly on a pair of other key metrics.
Nighthawk Impact Tour visits Gwinnett, Forsyth schools
Leaders from 星空无限传媒 visited the Gwinnett County and Forsyth County school systems Feb. 12-13 as part of the 'Nighthawk Impact Tour: Education Edition.'