Approximately 250 students from 22 high schools participated in the annual HSHT Augusta Area College & Career Resource Fair held at Savannah Rapids Pavilion in Martinez, Georgia on January 24, 2023. Vocational Rehabilitation Director of Client Services, Jennifer Howell, joined HSHT in welcoming the students, school staff and vendors to the event. The morning’s guest speaker was Nichole Spencer, Vice President of student Affairs at Augusta Technical College. Ms. Spencer presented information on Augusta Technical College including the new programs and locations in the area.
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After the presentation, students were able to meet with 40 post-secondary and employer vendors to discuss opportunities. They were able to obtain information regarding post-secondary education as well as jobs and careers in the local community. Students were encouraged to visit as many vendors as possible during the allocated time. Those that visited with 20 or more vendors were eligible for prizes during the drawing at the end of the day.

Following meeting with vendors, students and all in attendance enjoyed lunch while networking and discussing future plans and opportunities. Many of the students, teachers, and vendors expressed their appreciation of the day and offered much praise for this year’s fair being so well organized and well attended. The Augusta HSHT Program is proud to offer this annual event to its students and hopes to continue doing so for many years to come. 

​Fourteen students who are participating in the High School High Tech Program from Banks County High School participated in a 3 day manufacturing institute on January 10th, 11th and 12th, 2023.  Colonel Atkinson, instructor for the High School High Tech program, delivered the training in an interactive format and the students were very engaged.  There was a hands-on simulation that the students participated in as teams.  All of the students who attended this training (100%) received 3 manufacturing accepted certifications:  OSHA 10, Lean Six Sigma White Belt and Hands-On CPR.  These certifications will assist these students with obtaining employment in the manufacturing industry after their graduation from high school.  Opportunities at manufacturing sites in their area were discussed with the students and the importance of adding these certifications to their resume was discussed.  This manufacturing institute was made possibly by funding from United Way of NE Georgia. Mark Madison, Director of Community Impact of United Way of NE Georgia, attended the institute one day, met the students, and gave them some words of encouragement.