North Georgia Technical College Awarded SACS/COC Accreditation

The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS/COC) voted at its annual meeting - June 26 to award North Georgia Technical College full accreditation. North Georgia Tech became a candidate for accreditation in June, 2006.

SACS/COC provides regional and national accreditation, the purpose of which is continuous school improvement focused on increasing student performance. Initial SACS/COC accreditation is based upon the college’s assessing itself against quality standards of accreditation, identifying areas needing improvement, creating and implementing an action plan, and monitoring improvement results. These standards are designed to ensure educational quality throughout the southern region and provide assurance to the public that the college meets these standards, which address faculty credentials, institutional mission, governance, and effectiveness and quality of educational programs. The evaluation process includes a review by an outside team of trained professional peers representing the SACS/COC organization.

To maintain accreditation, each accredited school must conduct a continuing program of educational improvement including meeting standards of accreditation, improving student performance, submitting annual reports that certify implementation of the college’s improvement plan, and being re-evaluated by external teams of professional educators at five-year intervals. Through regional and national accreditation, faculty, staff, and students benefit by knowing that teaching/learning conditions in accredited colleges meet necessary requirements and that effort is continuously made for college improvement.

“This accreditation confirms what we already know about the quality of instruction at North Georgia Technical College,” says Vice-President of Administrative Services Mark Ivester. “Our campus communities can feel confident that North Georgia Tech compares favorably not only with other colleges within our state, but also with other learning institutions throughout the world.”

Founded in 1895, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is a voluntary, non-governmental agency composed of more than 13,000 accredited colleges and universities, elementary, middle, and secondary schools. Headquartered in Decatur, Georgia, SACS serves 11 Southern states – Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia, as well as the countries of Mexico, Central and South America, islands of the Caribbean, and other geographic areas.

NAMPAC NOMINATED FOR MANUFACTURER-OF-THE-YEAR AWARD

NAMPAC of Toccoa, manufacturer of injection molded pails and containers, was honored as a nominee for Manufacturer-of-the-Year at the Awards Luncheon for Manufacturing Appreciation Week in Georgia held at Cobb Galleria in Atlanta on April 17. NAMPAC was nominated by North Georgia Technical College for Manufacturer-of-the-Year in the small-company category (0-150 employees).
Dr. Judy Taylor, Vice President of Economic Development of North Georgia Technical College, presented the plaque to Scott Rauch, Plant Manager, during a management team meeting at the Toccoa facility.

“On behalf of all the employees here at NAMPAC, I would like to express our profound gratitude to NGTC for the nomination of Manufacturer of the Year,” Rauch expressed. “We have utilized training programs at NGTC such as OSHA 10, Train the Trainer, and Six Sigma. NGTC has come to our plant on several occasions to hold classes such as Lock Out/Tag Out. We value our relationship with NGTC and look for a continuous growth in the future,” Rauch added.
Over 100 companies throughout Georgia were nominated for this honor, and all were recognized at the luncheon. Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle was the keynote speaker, and PBS’s Richard Warner served as master of ceremonies.

The criteria for the award includes Economic Impact, Workforce Excellence, and Corporate Responsibility. “NAMPAC exemplifies these criteria, and we take pride in having this company as a nominee,” stated Dr. Taylor. “NAMPAC emphasizes quality and quality training, and that is what makes successful companies in this global economy,” Taylor further noted.

All companies nominated are recognized for excellence in these areas. Additionally, the event emphasizes the significance of all manufacturing to the economy of Georgia and the nation. It pays tribute to the more than 10,000 manufacturing facilities located in Georgia. Manufacturing provides 450,622 jobs, contributing more than $100 billion to the state’s economy each year.

This marked the 14th year celebrating Manufacturing Appreciation Week in Georgia. More than 1,200 business and industry leaders from around the state attended. For more information about industry partnerships with North Georgia Technical College, contact Dr. Judy Taylor at 706.754.7736.

NGTC Brings Home The Gold

North Georgia Technical College’s Jason Henderson and Jacob Cohen competed in the State Skills USA competition and they took home the gold!

Jason Henderson graduated from Franklin County High School where he took classes from Wayne Ertzberger in Metal Fabrication. Having completed a diploma in Precision Machining, he is now pursuing his CNC and Tool & Die certificates at NGTC. Jason competed in the Georgia State Competition for Precision Machining held at Heart of Georgia Technical College in Dublin, GA, where he took first place. His win earned him a trip to Kansas City, MS, where he will compete for the National Championship for Skills USA. Jason is a full-time student and works part-time honing his machining skills at Berry’s Plumbing and Equipment in Clermont, GA.

Jacon Cohen graduated from West Hall County High School. He has also completed his Precision Machining Diploma from NGTC and he is now pursuing his CNC and Tool &Die certificates. Jacob competed in the State Competition in CNC Mill Programming at Lanier Technical College in Oakwood, GA, where he took first place. Jacob also earned a trip to Kansas City, MS, where he will compete for the National Championship for Skills USA.

These students are under the instruction of Shannon Gary and Michael Boyd in the Machine Tool Technology Program at North Georgia Technical College. For more information about the Machine Tool Technology offerings at NGTC, please call 706.754.7753.

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Intruder/Active Shooter Emergency Plans

At North Georgia Technical College, the Campus Police Department has adopted emergency plans that are being tested and tried. On Friday, March 7, 2008, there was a mandatory meeting held for all staff and faculty.

Police Chief Curtis Wade went over what could happen at the College if there was an armed intruder/active shooter and how campus police would react. He noted that all of the NGTC police officers are certified through the GA Peace Officer Standards and Training Council and have received training for what would be expected of them in a case where a suspect or assailant is immediately causing death and serious injury on campus. In light of recent events throughout the United States, the campus Police Department has stepped up its training for this type of incident as well as other disasters such as fires and tornadoes.

Faculty and staff were given instruction on what would take place in the event that there was an active shooter on campus and what responsibilities they would have during the event. Chief Wade said that the best course of action for faculty and staff would be to stay calm, seek cover, and call 911. He then gave a list of what to report in the call and what to observe as well as how to secure the building.

Wade noted that the force’s primary objective is to protect the NGTC community. During an actual armed assailant event, the NGTC campus police would immediately respond to the area of incident and seek to locate, contain, and stop the shooter.

North Georgia Technical College benefits from the presence of uniformed officers being on campus around the clock. Dr. Ruth Nichols, President of North Georgia Technical College, said, “We do not take lightly what is expected of our Campus Police Department. On a daily basis they perform many different tasks, but should an event like this happen on our campus they will be called upon to put their lives on the line. These men and women are to be respected and admired for their willingness to shoulder this burden.”

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Planning for Success Workshop 3/31: Marketing, Branding, Business Planning, and Conservation Programs for Your Farm
 

Interest in local foods in the region has reached an all-time high, and local demand exceeds supply for many farm products. Yet the farmers who can satisfy local demand need to have the business and marketing tools to reach and be successful in different market outlets.  On Monday, March 31, 2008, North Georgia Technical College and Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project will host a half-day workshop that will present information and tools to farmers interested in expanding and diversifying into different markets.  Kate Slattery (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) will present information on the standards of particular market outlets and techniques to create and maintain great farmer-buyer relationships.  Peter Marks will help participants with business planning and provide them with planning tools for different wholesale and direct markets. Kristina Sorensen(Georgia Department of Natural Resources) will talk about Federal conservation program opportunities for Southern Appalachian farmers and how these opportunities can be used to diversify farm income.  All participants will receive a resource notebook with useful tools and information including a recently released guide to understanding and using Federal conservation programs.
 
The workshop will be held at the Clegg Center Auditorium at North Georgia Technical College in Clarkesville, Georgia.  The workshop begins at 1:00 PM (doors open for check-in at 12:30 PM) and concludes at 5:30 PM.  The cost of $5.00 includes an information resource notebook and a lunch featuring local foods. Participants should pre-register by calling ASAP at (828) 236-1282.  The pre-registration deadline (in order to be assured of lunch) is March 21.

More information and registration forms can also be accessed at:
http://asapconnections.org/special/planningforsuccess/conference.htm

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NGTC Employee Graduates from Police Academy

Tracy Knox-Sadler graduated from the Northeast Georgia Police Academy on August 31, 2007. Sadler participated in the ten-week, 408 Basic Law Enforcement Training course as required by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council. The course provides instruction in the areas of criminal justice, criminal law, constitutional law, community relations, modern police procedures, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, and first aid training. The completion of the course represented the 215th session graduated by the Northeast Regional Police Academy. Sadler is employed with North Georgia Technical College where she received her official Basic Peace Officer certificate on February 11, 2008.

Sadler also graduated from NGTC with an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice in September 2007 and completed the Management Specialist Certificate in December 2007. She is a member of the National Technical Honor Society.

Sadler states, "I find the field of Law Enforcement to be challenging, and I look forward to facing the challenges each day. I have worked in the criminal justice field for over 13 years, and some aspects of the career have been very rewarding. I would like to express great appreciation to Alma King who is my mentor and has encouraged me in so many different areas of my career. She has always been available for me whenever I needed a person to talk to and gave creditable advice based on her experiences. I hope and pray that one day I will make a great impact on another person's life as Alma has made in mine."

NGTC Police Chief Curtis Wade commented, "I am very proud of Tracy and feel we are extremely fortunate to have her as part of our department.  Tracy has a background as an officer and supervisor with the Georgia Department of Corrections.  She completed her Associate Degree in Criminal Justice while working full time.  With her previous experience and education, along with her recent police officer certification, she is an integral part of the NGTC Police Department."

Sadler has always enjoyed working with young people and looks forward to being a part of the NGTC family. She dreams of being a teacher and hopes to eventually complete the necessary steps to make that dream come true.

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Welding: A Hot Career for Women Too!

So, you want to go to college, but you don’t know what program to enter?  Many times potential students only look at careers that they feel are appropriate for their sex or age.  More and more this thought process is changing. 

Take Brittany Barnes for example.  She is a young lady who became interested in welding at a young age.  Her grandfather was a welder.  When she was young she went to farm expos and watched welding demonstrations.  In high school, her interest continued to develop.  So, what course did she sign up for at North Georgia Technical College?  Practical Nursing!

The closer time came to begin school the more she thought about what career she wanted.  Two weeks before she was scheduled to start classes, she walked back in the doors of the Admissions Office at North Georgia Tech.  Her request was to transfer to the welding program…something she could do “without having to stick people with needles!”

How does she like her program after two quarters?  She is excelling in a career that suits her as an individual.  She is participating in campus life activities and recently competed in the Mr. and Ms. NGTC Pageant.  She was chosen as the GOAL representative in the welding program and was one of the final four representatives at the college level. 

In her GOAL speech recently, Brittany said of her program, “It is a tremendous challenge but each day brings new opportunities to learn, and I have something that I can talk to my Dad about each day…the challenges and the feelings of accomplishment that come from this career field.” And who knows where she will go from here.  The welding program will give her the skills she needs to travel out of state or out of the country – or she might find the perfect job somewhere on the beach where she can work and play!

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Mr. & Ms. NGTC Named

Clarkesville, GA —“Mardi Gras!” That was the theme of the Mr. and Ms. North Georgia Tech Pageant recently held at North Georgia Technical College on the Clarkesville Campus. 

Judges for the pageant were Annette Fricks, Judy Walker, and Octavius Mulligan.  Students enjoyed music and decorations by jBJams.

Genie Benfield who is currently enrolled in the Cosmetic Esthetician program at the Clarkesville Campus was named Ms. Congeniality.  Matt Rylee who is taking Automotive Collision Repair at the Clarkesville Campus was named Mr. Congeniality.

Results of the Ms. Contest are as follows:
4th Runner Up       Christy Knight, Cleveland (Culinary Arts - Currahee)                 
3rd Runner Up       Regena Ramsey, Hiawassee (Cosmetology - Clarkesville)       
2nd Runner Up     Krystina Lefft, Cleveland (Cosmetology - Clarkesville)              
1st Runner Up       Nacita Willis, Elberton (Medical Assisting - Clarkesville)                       
Ms. NGTC !!!       Sarah Braden, Tiger (Cosmetology - Clarkesville)                     
~CONGRATULATIONS GIRLS~                                                                               

Results of the Mr. Contest are as follows:
4th Runner Up      Robert Bonney, Cleveland, TN (Welding - Clarkesville)                  
3rd Runner Up      Royney Hazzard, Clarkesville (Applied Business Technology - Clarkesville)            
2nd Runner Up     Bradley Thomas, Mineral Bluff (Applied Business Technology – Blairsville)        
1st Runner Up      Matt Rylee, Gillsville (Automotive Collision Repair – Clarkesville)
Mr. NGTC!!          Houston Barber, Bethlehem (Turf & golf Course Management – Clarkesville) Mr. NGTC!!!
~CONGRATULATIONS GUYS~

Pageant winners will participate in North Georgia Technical College events throughout the year.

Harbin Lumber Company Partners with NGTC to Update Leadership Skills

Harbin Lumber Company’s senior leadership group acknowledges that new ideas, know-how, and superior customer service keep a company on the cutting edge when dealing with today’s economic challenges.  This group partnered with North Georgia Technical College in a training initiative to update leadership skills.  Training was delivered at the North Georgia Technical College Currahee Campus in Toccoa.
   
Regarding the training, Barron Harbin, President, says, “Placing someone in a position of leadership without the proper training can result in frustration for both the leader and those who report to him, excessive employee turnover, and, in many cases, failure for the leader.  Over a year ago we committed to an ongoing program of leadership training for all members of our management and supervisory teams.  Our leaders have taken 112 hours of training comprised of communication skills, performance analysis, conflict resolution, managing change in the workplace, and other leadership topics.  Being in a position of leadership is not easy and it is almost impossible without training – ‘People quit people – not companies.’”  

Now that the senior group has completed the program, the front-line leaders—those who manage the individual stores and meet the public—have started the training.  Their training will be customized to their responsibilities and needs. 

Harbin Lumber Company has 200 employees and 8 stores located throughout Georgia and in South Carolina.  This company is a major contributor to the economic health of this state.  This investment in training demonstrates the company’s commitment to its employees and customers. 

NGTC Holds Honor Induction Ceremony

North Georgia Technical College held an honor induction ceremony for students being inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) on February 25, 2008. This ceremony recognized students that have excelled in their studies while at North Georgia Tech and included students from the Clarkesville and Currahee campuses.  Dr. Ruth Nichols welcomed the students and spoke about the student’s attitude and efforts making the difference in their school career. 

In order to be considered as an inductee into the honor society, the student must meet three criteria.  They must have at least a 3.7 GPA, have completed 24 or more quarter hours – depending on the program, and have a recommendation from their instructors.

Advisors for the program are Carol Cullifer from Clarkesville, and India Richardson and Dawn Adams from Currahee. 

Students inducted into NTHS include:  Accounting AAS - Jennifer Jesser, Gena Kirkland, Kellie Merritt, Nicole Smith, Vickie Stowers, Janice Watts; Accounting – Kelly Garrison, Michael Moore, Karen Slaton; Air Conditioning Technology – Johnnie Williams; Applied Business Technology AAS – Samantha Carver; Applied Business Technology – Joy Brewer, Kyle Duke, Lee Ivester; Applied Manufacturing Technology AAS – Mark Williams; Applied Manufacturing Technology – Carl Drinkard; Automotive Technology – Bruce Coates; Scott Conner, Henry E. Henderson, III, Justin Jackson, Gareth Vasile; Business and Office Technology – Britain Buchanan, Jennifer Holloway, Tracey Merck; Cosmetology – Lola Postell, Andrea Westmoreland; Culinary Arts AAS – Rebecca Black; Drafting Technology – Justin Bell; Electrical Construction and Maintenance – Mark Luckett; Environmental Horticulture – Terry Looney, Angie Vandiver, Jessie Wood; Industrial Systems Technology – Travis Hulsey; Medical Assisting – Joanna Adams; Pharmacy Technology – Jackie Brewer; Practical Nursing – Dana Gaddy, Katherine Loomis, Autumn Maxwell, Candace Ostrander, Michelle Patch, Jessica Vineyard; Turf and Golf Course Management – Andrew Brown; Welding and Joining Technology – Anthony Ledford.

NGTC Hosts Organic/Sustainable Agriculture Workshop

North Georgia Technical College and Georgia Organics offers a day of learning about the fundamentals of organic and sustainable agriculture.  Topics will include:  Current Trends and Advancements; Marketing, Farm Finance, and Farm Start-up; Introduction to Organic Production and Marketing; Organic Certification; and the National Organic Program.  The event will be held on the Clarkesville Campus in the Clegg Auditorium on March 14, 2008, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.  The cost is $39 and includes lunch.  For registration or for more information, call 706-754-7716 or 706-754-7794.

Legislators Enjoy 3rd Annual ‘Taste of the Technical Colleges’

Atlanta - The 33 colleges of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), including North Georgia Technical College, put technical education’s “wow” factor on center stage for more than 400 state legislators and other dignitaries during the third annual Taste of the Technical Colleges. 

The event was held on January 29 and filled the historic Atlanta Freight Depot across from the State Capitol.  TCSG officials, college presidents, faculty members, college staff and students were on hand to talk to their VIP guests about the new age of technical education in Georgia.

The lawmakers saw program demonstrations from each college, including courses in in-demand fields like health care, electronics, logistics, digital technology, and more.  The best of technical education was on full display while the guests feasted on food prepared by the chefs and students from the 12 colleges with culinary arts programs including North Georgia Technical College’s Blairsville and Currahee programs. 

North Georgia Tech showcased the dorms and campus life activities.  Dr. Ruth Nichols, President of NGTC, said, “We really enjoy our dorm students and we enjoy the sense of community that living on campus gives our students.  It also gives us the opportunity to focus on more traditional college life activities like clubs and intramural sports.  Living and learning in the mountains is a highlight for our students.”

TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson said the event showcases for legislators the kind of learning opportunities that are attracting more people to the state’s technical colleges.

“Last year, our colleges educated more than 140,000 Georgia students and our enrollment is growing,” said Jackson.  “The technical colleges’ exceptional level of training, and the in-demand, high-paying jobs that result, is a big reason why more students than ever are making a state technical college their first choice for a college education.”

North Georgia Technical College EAGLES Travel to Dallas Texas

The Intramural Flag Football Team at North Georgia Technical College went to State Flag Football Competition in November and were 2nd in the state.  From there they traveled to Dallas, Texas, to compete in the national Intramural Flag Football competition.  They won one game and then lost to the team that eventually won the overall National competition. 

Sherry Seal, Campus Life Director, said, “This team has come so far and we are really making a name for ourselves on the state and national levels.  Many of the teams wanted to play against us in the past on a state level because we were not a well-known team, but now we are one of the teams that they hope not to be paired with in competitions.”

“We are so proud of the whole team and the coaches as well,” said Dr. Ruth Nichols, President of North Georgia Technical College. “They put their heart into playing this game and it shows.”

Flag Football is one of three sports that go to state competitions at North Georgia Tech.  Other sports include basketball and softball.  The Campus Life Department also provides opportunities for other activities such as billiards, tennis, soccer, swimming, disc golf, golf, weight training, and many other activities.

NGTC Students and Advisers Head to Fall Leadership Conference

On Friday, November 16, a group of students and their advisers will travel to Atlanta for the annual Student Fall Leadership Conference.  Representing NGTC at these meetings will be leaders from each of the College’s student organizations:  Phi Beta Lambda, Skills USA, Rotaract, HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), National Technical Honor Society, and HEROES (Having Equitable Resources and Opportunities Equals Success.)  All three campuses, Clarkesville, Blairsville and Currahee, will be well represented in the group. 

The Conference will include large group sessions, small breakout groups, and lots of fun.  The students will gain information on leadership development, student organization opportunities, and will leave the Conference full of ideas for the next year.  Activities will conclude on Sunday with a group presentation.

COC Visits North Georgia Tech

For all kinds of educational institutions, accreditation is almost a “magic” word.  To gain accreditation status, schools and colleges must go through a rigorous internal audit of processes, procedures, student outcomes, and fiscal responsibility.

Recently, North Georgia Technical College was visited by an accreditation committee of nine community and technical college professionals from around the Southeast.  They were representing the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (COC/SACS), a regional accrediting agency.  The committee performed a very thorough assessment of all three campuses of North Georgia Tech - Clarkesville, Blairsville, and Currahee in Stephens County.  During the visit, Department of Technical & Adult Education Commissioner Ron Jackson visited Clarkesville and was also interviewed by COC committee members.

For the last 35 years, North Georgia Tech has been accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), a national accrediting agency.  COE’s last visit to North Georgia Tech was in 2005 when the College opened the Currahee Campus.  The College will continue to maintain its commitment to COE and will strive to add COC accreditation status to benefit students and communities in Northeast Georgia.

Even though the visit by COC reviewers has concluded, the final phase of approval or non-approval of accreditation will not come until June 2008 when COC holds its biannual Commission meeting.  North Georgia Technical College is currently developing its response report that will be submitted, along with the Accreditation Committee’s report, to the Commission on Colleges’ Compliance and Reports (C&R) Committee for review.  The C&R Committee will make a recommendation in June to the full Commission who then makes a decision regarding North Georgia Tech’s accreditation. 

Dr. Ruth Nichols, NGTC President stated, “Even though this process to become accredited by COC has demanded long hours and much self-study by everyone at the College, we have all taken it on as a challenge that will only make us better.  Knowing that this effort will enhance the quality and credibility of the education our students receive makes all the hard work worthwhile.  The entire North Georgia Tech Family joined forces to go that extra mile for our students, and that’s what NGTC is all about.”

Creative Economies Summit II to be held in Blairsville

Following the success of last year’s summit, North Georgia Technical College is pleased and proud to host the 2007 Creative Economies Summit II, November 5 & 6, once again on the beautiful Blairsville Campus.

If you have a special niche in the Northeast Georgia Mountains and need help getting your unique products into the hands of locals and tourists, the Creative Economies Summit 2 is the place for you to be.

This year’s exciting agenda will give you the greatest flexibility with your schedule to make the entire event more intimate and meaningful – and affordable! A wide variety of presentations will showcase new marketing ideas, inspire partnerships, and give you timely tips and techniques you can walk away with and apply tomorrow.

During a special Made in the Mountains Celebration complete with hay rides and a marshmallow roast, you can enjoy an exquisite dinner event featuring local foods such as Butternut Squash Soup and Springer Mountain Chicken in an apple cream sauce.

The 2007 Creative Economies Summit II will wrap up at noon on Tuesday after a dynamic, interactive panel on Tourism. And following the summit will be a Creative Economies Town Hall meeting hosted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

Made in the Mountains™ is an initiative to economically develop Northeast Georgia through marketing the area’s natural attractions, handmade crafts and locally grown food products, and cultural charm. This initiative preserves the mountain heritage and environment while appealing to tourism and entrepreneurial endeavors.

NGTC invites you to share ideas and experiences related to the components and values of a Creative Economy. To register online visit www.northgatech.edu or contact Sandra Maughon at 706-754-7715; smaughon@northgatech.edu.

NGTC and Habersham County School System Seek Grant

North Georgia Technical College and the Habersham County School System have joined forces on a grant application to open a charter high school, Habersham Career Academy, on the campus of NGTC. Funding for this grant will come from the Technical College System of Georgia. Five grants (for up to 3.2 million dollars each) are expected to be awarded.

The Habersham Career Academy will be designed to meet the needs of Habersham County students who are capable and career focused but who may not reach their full potential within a traditional high school setting. Habersham Career Academy will provide specialized services to interested students aged 16 through 20, in grades 9 through 12, on the North Georgia Technical College campus. To engage these students, HCA will utilize customized career pathways that include small cohorts, flexible schedules, contextual teaching strategies, and a combination of high school, technical college, and work-based learning opportunities.

Students will also be allowed to participate in NGTC organizations, recreation opportunities, and special events. The HCA curriculum will provide quality secondary and post-secondary preparation for students interested in four career pathways; health care, cosmetology, environmental science, and energy (selected based on job trends and growth for the region). Students will not only meet high school and technical college requirements, they will also participate in job shadowing, internships, or clinical experiences to learn the expectations of business and industry in these four fields. Graduates of the Habersham Career Academy will also complete the Georgia Work Ready Assessment to show the correlation between their skill levels and the requirements for their chosen career. This will provide each student a portable skills credential, the Georgia Work Ready Certificate, in addition to a high school diploma and post-secondary credit as part of a career pathway.

If awarded, the grant will fund building renovation to house the academy, as well as planning and development expenses, equipment, and personnel vital to the initial phase of the project.