SWGTC among Technical Colleges receiving $3.4 Million Job Training Grant

The United States Department of Labor awarded a 3.4 million dollar grant to the Regional Education and Careers in Healthcare (REACH) Project recently. The REACH Project is a consortium formed by Southwest Georgia Technical College (SWGTC), Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, and Okefenokee Technical College with the purpose of identifying unemployed, dislocated, and incumbent workers who desire training and employment in the health care sector within the twenty rural counties served by the three technical colleges.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant,” said Lorette Hoover, interim president of SWGTC. “We are excited about the opportunities these funds will provide for our students and the communities we serve. It is our intent to not only assist students looking to begin careers in health care, but also to assist those currently employed by providing training to enhance their skills and advance their careers.”

The Community-Based Job Training grant will be used to support the allied health programs at the three colleges. Tutoring labs will be established at each college for students who may need assistance in any health care course. Support services such as transportation, child care fees, and school supplies for students will be provided on a limited basis at each college. In addition, Master’s level nursing instructors will be hired at SWGTC and Wiregrass Tech  to assist in the additional load of students anticipated in this project.

New allied health program equipment will be purchased, including five human patient simulators, one for each college campus that houses a nursing program. Wiregrass Tech will purchase a modular classroom for the Valdosta campus. Support services will be provided as needed in conjunction with regional WIAs, DOLs, grants, scholarships, and private resources.

The grant represents one of the largest awards ever given to a foundation associated with the Technical College System of Georgia.

More information about programs offered at Southwest Georgia Technical College may be obtained by calling 225-4096 or by visiting the SWGTC website at www.southwestgatech.edu.