Fifteen High School High Tech Students from Sims Academy toured Gwinnett Technical College. Shikura Cazeau and Lydia Holland (Gwinnett Technical College) provided the tour. The students were able to get information regarding the admissions process, financial aid, disability services, student life, and the many educational opportunities that are available at Gwinnett Tech. The students were able to see/experience automotive, construction, cosmetology, fabrication, heating and air, health sciences, vet tech, and welding. The students were very impressed with Gwinnett Technical College and the many educational opportunities that are available there.

Disability Employment Awareness Month heightens awareness while recognizing the contributions of Americans with disabilities to both our workforce and our society. Georgia RAMP sites experienced two days of learning and fun while helping our mentees gain confidence for thriving and advocating for themselves and others who are differently-abled.  Mentees discussed the five senses and how the loss of one or more impacts daily living tasks.  To give the mentees a glimpse of what it would be like to live without vision, they were paired with a less familiar partner, then given instructions to choose to be the leader or learner.  Learners were blindfolded and told they were at the mercy of their leader. Leaders then instructed the learners to leave the comfort of the classroom to navigate stairs, brick columns, doorways, courtyard boulders and return to the classroom without accident or injury. The experiences helped students appreciate the challenges of different disabilities, realize that they are not alone, and that it’s ok to ask for help: there are people who will help. Most of all, they learned that they are more important than their abilities.  Mentees vowed to focus on people first, not their abilities or disabilities.

Georgia RAMP Mentees strive to Learn, Connect, Work, and Lead missions for themselves and others regardless of abilities!

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is one of only two submarine bases under the United States Navy.  Windsor Forest High School, Jenkins High School, and Islands High School went to Kings Bay naval base to the tour the Submarine Trident Training Center.  The Trident Facility is used to train basic knowledge and skills required to operate and maintain Trident nuclear submarines and to provide specialized training.   

Students got to see where the naval staff practice loading a torpedo, train to fix leaks, and learn in a web lab and an engine room. Students met active duty Navy students and staff and had an opportunity to learn about life in the military, rank structure, pay, and benefits, as well as the special qualifications of a Submariner – Navy Sailor. The career exploration ended with lunch in the military cafeteria where students had an opportunity to have lunch with Navy Sailors and experience a typical meal served to active duty military and their families.  

Carroll County High School High Tech  (HSHT) North and South Career Ready students had the opportunity to visit West Georgia Technical College Carrollton campus and Waco campus. The presentation was very informative and helped students understand opportunities available to them during high school and post secondary education. During the  students time on campus they were allowed to visit many programs of study including Cosmetology, EMS, HVAC and CNA. Students were allowed to walk around classrooms and ask the instructors questions about each program area of study and certifications. Students were greeted at the college by Zelma Jones, Accessibility Services Program Coordinator, who gave a presentation explaining  dual enrollment and the admissions process.   Students  had the opportunity to fill out applications with the application fee being waived. 

Quitman County HSHT students came to Albany for a tour of Dillard’s Department Store and Albany Technical College.  Our first stop was Dillard’s Department Store.  We met with Mrs. Janet Woodward the assistant manager of the store.  She met with us in the training room used for new employees.  Mrs. Woodward talked to the students about what Dillard looks for in a potential employee and skills that are necessary in retail.  She discussed dressing appropriately for the job and fitting in with the environment. 

Mrs. Woodward stressed focusing on the skills they possess during the interview and to know something about the company.  She stated that in retail, math skills and good communication are very important skills to possess.   In regard to post-secondary education, Mrs. Woodward stated that a degree in marketing would benefit them in moving upward in the company. After the training room. We went on a tour where we observed the dock and saw where the trucks deliver goods that are then placed on the sales floor. 

​The HSHT students in Pickens county will participate in Driver Permit training through a grant provided to the Georgia Committee's HSHT program by State Farm.  On 9-20-2019, the first session of Driver Permit Training was held at Pickens County High School.   There will be 7 one-hour weekly training sessions. Students will be transported to the Department of Driver Services to sit for the permit test at the end of the training.  Nathans Driving school is providing the instruction. Three representatives from the local State Farm office attended and introduced themselves to the students and they plan to do a short presentation at the end of the training about insurance with State Farm and how safe driving impacts cost of insurance.

​Nine students from the Pickens County HSHT program participated in the first session.  They watched a video on Joshua’s Law and the driver education course.  They were given Driver’s Permit manuals and the instructor began pointing out different rules of the road as they related to the Joshua’s Law video.  Students were engaged and were able to answer questions about material covered during the training hour.  All plan to return next week for session 2 of the training.