SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College is seeking 50 adult students without high school diplomas for a high school equivalency (HSE) pilot program starting in January 2021.

The College is expanding its Fast Forward program with a HSE alternative to taking the GED® exam. The new initiative allows students to earn a high school credential, while training in a high demand career program. Adults are encouraged to register by December 11, 2020.

The College will host a series of virtual information sessions, which will explain options for earning high school credentials including the new Career Plus HSE program or GED®. Pre-registration is encouraged for the information sessions, which will be held at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on November 19, December 2, and December 8. 

The 50 candidates selected for the pilot Career Plus HSE program must be at least 21 years old, have not earned a high school graduate or a GED®, and must have attended high school in Georgia.

Pilot participants are encouraged to enroll in one of the 90+ HOPE Career Grant career field programs and in adult high school equivalency classes. A qualified candidate will be eligible for the PELL Grant, HOPE Grant, Work-Study, and/or Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) financial aid.

STC adult education students were asked what obtaining a high school credential means to them. Responses included:

• “a better life for me and my family;”
• “it would be the first time completing something in my life;”
• “I have a job waiting for me, but it requires me to have a high school credential;” and
• “This is the first step to getting a specific degree.”

Savannah Tech’s Adult Education Program serves those who need to improve their basic literacy and math skills, improve their oral and written English, practice for the GED® test to attain a high school equivalency credential, and prepare for college. Instructors also help students with science and social studies test preparation for GED® testing. STC teaches adult education classes in the morning, afternoon, evening and online. They are offered in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties with multiple locations in each community.

Adult education classes for HSE and GED®-prep are currently free for all U.S. citizens. To register for free HSE-prep classes, call 912.443.5446 or visit www.savannahtech.edu/FreeGEDClasses. For GED® testing information, go to www.ged.com to sign up to take test or go to www.savannahtech.edu/testingcenter to learn more about our testing locations.

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#2112 | November 18, 2020

SAVANNAH, GA – Students may now earn the Paralegal Studies Associate Degree online at Savannah Technical College with courses offered virtually. Students are encouraged to do an internship opportunity in their local area, which must be approved by the Paralegal Studies department head.

“We offer a student-centered program that meets students where they are,” said STC Paralegal Studies Department Head Debra R. Geiger, Esq. “Online classes allow students to manage their lives to balance family and work while pursuing a degree. Technology advancements allow us to do so much more from home or a remote location. Not even the pandemic has impeded our students’ ability to continue their education.”

According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for paralegals and legal assistants in the U.S. was $50,940 in May 2018. The bureau predicts that employment in these types of jobs will increase by 12% between 2018 and 2028, which is significantly higher than the average projected job growth rate of 5% for all U.S. occupations.

There is an increasing demand for paralegals with legally pertinent tech skills. “This includes client file security, electronic filing in cases, digital forensics, and electronic evidence discovery and preservation. Some of the most lucrative jobs are in this field,” said Geiger.

She said there are a lot of jobs available for those who only choose to pursue a two-year degree, where the cost of education is relatively inexpensive. “One can make a good living as a paralegal with a two-year degree,” said Geiger. “The affordability and convenience of technical education allow people to continue their employment while pursuing advanced training.”

STC’s Paralegal Studies Associate Degree graduates have a 100% placement in field (AY2019) and are in demand with area law offices.

Courses taught by licensed, practicing attorneys. Department Head Geiger practiced law in Georgia for several years and was elected national president (three-year term) of AAfPE in 2019. Previously, she served a three-year term on AAfPE’s board of directors.

Students gain real-world experience through volunteering under the direction of their instructors to apply what they’ve learned. For example, students research legal questions for indigent Georgia citizens in need of legal help through the American Bar Association’s Free Legal Answers Virtual legal advice clinic and provide document preparation assistance to pro se litigants seeking to file for divorce through the Family Law Resource Center.

The program prepares students for a career in the paralegal profession. The knowledge and skills emphasized in the Paralegal Studies program include ethical obligations; research in state and federal law; legal correspondence preparation; family law matters; basic concepts of real property law; criminal law and procedure; civil litigation; substantive contract law; and wills, trusts, and probate. Paralegals, also called legal assistants, work closely with attorneys, judges, prosecutors, or public defenders. Paralegal Studies is open to adults, along with high school students through dual enrollment

The College is an institutional member of the American Association of Paralegal Education (AAfPE). This is the highest level of membership for AAfPE. The College also has its own Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX) National Honor Society for Paralegals chapter.

Students are encouraged to apply by Friday, December 11, 2020, the priority deadline for Spring 2021. Classes begin January 13, 2021. Visit: www.savannahtech.edu/paralegal-online or contact Geiger at 912.443.5715 or dgeiger@savannahtech.edu for more information about the program or to start training for a career as a paralegal.

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#2110| November 4, 2020
Media contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 | ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

Paralegal Studies Department Head: Debra R. Geiger, Esq.
912.443.5715| dgeiger@savannahtech.edu

 

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College Foundation celebrated 21 community stars virtually today for its Tribute to Community STARs event.  The 14th annual event has recognized 300 people for their service and dedication in the community or at work.

This year sponsors gathered in groups of 10 at their own locations to celebrate their star and enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared and packaged by Savannah Culinary Institute student chefs with COVID-19 safety protocols in place.

Honored were:

• Devin Bass, STC 2020 GOAL Student of the Year, sponsored by Savannah Technical College;
• Jennifer Bonnett, Executive Director, Creative Coast; Vice President for Innovation/Entrepreneurship, SEDA, sponsored by Corporate Environments;
• Mae Bowley, Executive Director, Re:Purpose Savannah, sponsored by McGriff Insurance Services;
• Susan Catron, Managing Editor, The Current, sponsored by Carriage Trade Public Relations;
• Denise Grabowski, Owner, Symbioscity, sponsored by Architecture 101;
• Robert Grant, Director of Development, Junior Achievement of Georgia, sponsored by Ad Specialty Services;
• Rushe Hudzinski, STC 2020 Instructor of the Year, sponsored by Savannah Technical College;
• Van Johnson, Mayor, City of Savannah, sponsored by National Office Systems;
• Pamela Jones, Community Leader, sponsored by Friends of Savannah Technical College;
• Cindy Murphy Kelley, Executive Director, Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless, sponsored by Hansen Architects;
• Paula Kreissler, Executive Director, Healthy Savannah, sponsored by Enmarket;
• Ann Levett, Superintendent, Savannah Chatham County Public School System, sponsored by Mary Morrison;
• Gif Lockley, Principal, Savannah Arts Academy, sponsored by Leopold’s Ice Cream and Gary Sanchez;
• Patti Lyons, President & CEO, Senior Citizens, Inc., sponsored by Judy & Dick Eckburg;
• Laura Moore, Savannah Market City President, BankSouth, sponsored by BankSouth;
• Ida Nelson, STC 2020 EAGLE Student of the Year, sponsored by Savannah Technical College;
• Kate Smith, Chief of Staff, Parker’s, sponsored by Parker’s;
• Dudley & Malena Stone, Founders, P.A.C.K., sponsored by Savannah Christian Preparatory School;
• Chris Tilton, President, The DeWitt Tilton Group, sponsored by Cecilia Russo Marketing;
• Erin Wessling, Founder, W Projects, sponsored by NAWIC of Coastal Georgia;
• Fran Baker-Witt, CEO, Effingham Health Systems, sponsored by Joe Marchese Commercial Construction and Effingham County Industrial Development Authority.

A special message was shared by Savannah Bananas owner Jesse Cole. The video may be viewed on the College’s Youtube and Facebook pages.

The Tribute event is held annually and is sponsored by the STC Foundation Community Council, a group of young professionals charged with expanding the local knowledge and profile of Savannah Technical College and its mission and with raising funds to support the college, its programs and students. Proceeds from the event benefit the Savannah Technical College Foundation.

Founded in 1984, the Savannah Technical College Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization that exists to raise and disburse funds to support the College’s efforts to enhance learning, workforce training and economic development in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties. The STC Foundation recently helped the College purchase 7 West Bay Street as the new location for an expansion of the College’s Culinary Arts program.

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#2109 | October 23, 2020
Media contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 | ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

Savannah, GA – Savannah Technical College received two vehicles for use in instruction for its Automotive Technology programs at the Savannah and Liberty Campuses from Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). The Optimas were donated to the College’s Foundation, which gave them to the Automotive Technology program.

“KMMG is the ideal corporate partner for an institution like Savannah Technical College,” said STC President Dr. Kathy S. Love. “They continue to provide vehicles for instructional use and support workforce development across the state.”

The vehicles will give STC students hands-on opportunities to apply theoretical training to live work. Students will be able to learn with the most up-to-date technologies in the industry, like electric power steering and Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) fuel system.

“The automotive industry is highly competitive, and these newer technology vehicles will allow us to set our students apart from others as they prepare to enter the workforce,” said STC Automotive Technology Department Head Anthony Hobbs.

The donated 2016 Optimas are what KMMG refers to as a quality assessment vehicles, which are not made for the open road. The vehicles were trailered to their respective campuses.

Jason Shin, the chief executive officer and president of KMMG, said these vehicles are the perfect fit for a hands-on learning environment like STC’s Automotive Technology labs in Savannah and Hinesville.

“We are donating models with the latest technology so students will be properly equipped with automotive knowledge that will help them succeed,” Shin said. 

KMMG gave 26 of these vehicles to the Technical College System of Georgia last month. To date, KMMG has donated 218 vehicles for educational and training purposes.

STC’s Automotive Technology graduates are trained to hold positions in the automotive service and repair industry as service technicians, inspectors and maintenance and repair mechanics. The program emphasizes a combination of automotive mechanics theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. In AY2019, Automotive Technology students had a 95.6% placement in field with students earning a degree or diploma at 100% placement.

About KMMG: Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) is the first manufacturing site in North America for Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, Korea. With an annual capacity of 340,000 units, KMMG is located on 2,200 acres in West Point, Georgia, and began mass production on Nov. 16, 2009. KMMG is home to the Telluride SUV, Sorento SUV and K5 mid-size sedan.

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# 2108 | October 8, 2020

Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College has been awarded a grant in the amount of $191,267 from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

The funds will be used by Savannah Technical College to develop the “Coastal Georgia Center for Driver Safety.” Grant funds will create two core additional services: distracted and impaired driver prevention education. This will take the form of community- and school-based workshops, virtual reality simulation education, social media messaging, and the promotion of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) chapters in all of area high schools.

“Helping teenage drivers understand the dangers of distracted or impaired driving is critical for everyone’s safety on the road,” said STC President Dr. Kathy Love. “We look forward to serving even more high school students through the Coastal Georgia Center for Driver Safety.”

The most recent CDC findings show that 39% of high school students who drove in the last 30 days had sent an email or text message while driving. Teens are much more at risk for alcohol –related fatalities than other groups.

“The loss of one life on our roads is one too many, and the fact almost all fatal traffic crashes can be prevented is one reason why we are awarding this grant,” Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Allen Poole said.  “The target of zero traffic deaths in our nation is achievable, and we will continue to help develop and implement educational messages and enforcement campaigns aimed at bringing our state one step closer to that goal.”

The grant includes the purchase of five One Simple Decision (OSD) Distracted Driving simulators. Savannah Technical College will partner with area high schools for students to interact with the simulators. The OSD simulators are designed to modify driving behavior by illustrating the consequences of choices made behind the wheel. Through the combination of driving simulation, intense interactions and first-person consequences videos, drivers are immersed in a gut wrenching personal experience that results from “One Simple Decision” they chose to make when driving.

The grant began on October 1, 2020 and the funds are provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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# 2108 | Oct. 7, 2020
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

Savannah Culinary Institute student chefs will host a Big Pig Fundraiser feast to benefit the Patrick Ansley Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund for 2021 for the second year. The pre-order meal pack (feeds six) features three smoked meats, three gourmet sides, two barbeque sauces, artisan cornbread and dessert for $140.

Meals will be available to pickup from noon until 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 5 at the Eckburg Auditorium at Savannah Technical College (5717 White Bluff Road, Savannah, 31406). The deadline to pre-order meals and merchandise is October 31.

Big Pig Take Out Menu (feeds six):

• House-prepared French garlic sausage (2 lbs)
• Applewood smoked pulled pork (3 lbs)
• Spare ribs (two slabs ribs)
• Two sauces (8 oz. each):
  • Smoked hickory sauce
  • Alabama white sauce
• Smoked gouda mac and cheese
• Bacon braised collards
• Southern style baked beans
• Cheddar jalapeño cornbread
• Apple crumble

Savannah Culinary Institute classes will prepare the items as part of instruction for Fall semester including Garde Manger (charcouterie, smoking, sauces), Nutrition (roasted vegetables, baked beans), Retail Production (bread), Principles of Cooking (mac/cheese, cobbler).

The Patrick Ansley Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund was started in 2012 by Bill Dickinson to honor the late Patrick Williams. Five $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually to STC culinary and hospitality students with a minimum 3.0 grade point average, who are selected by the College’s scholarship committee. Funds are applied toward tuition, fees, books, and required supplies.

The amount of the contribution for the Big Pig Fundraiser feast, which is deductible for federal income tax purposes is limited to the excess over the value of the goods or services provided by Savannah Technical College Foundation. The tax-deductible portion of the gift is estimated to be $100.

STC scholarship funds are managed by the Savannah Technical College Foundation, a 501 (c)3 organization whose sole purpose is to raise private funds to support the mission of Savannah Technical College. Gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

About Savannah Technical College’s Savannah Culinary Institute
The Savannah Culinary Institute, an American Culinary Federation-accredited culinary arts program, has been described as the “best in the U.S.A” by its ACF accreditation review board. According to the committee chair, the Culinary Institute of Savannah, offering ACF-accredited diploma and degree programs in culinary arts, has gone “well over and above the standards and expectations for a technical college teaching facility.” The committee recommended that the program receive the maximum accreditation time of seven years, when the average is three years. Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts associate degree graduates have a 100% placement rate in their field since 2015. The program has earned regional and national recognition with ACF-sponsored competitions. For more information visit: www.savannahtech.edu/SavannahCulinaryInstitute.

SAVANNAH – The Savannah Technical College Foundation Community Council will host the 2020 Tribute to Community STARs (Savannah Tech Achievement Recognition awards) on Friday, October 23, 2020. The event, now in its fourteenth year, honors some 20+ individuals, nominated for their service and dedication at work or in the community.

For 2020, in keeping with COVID-19 safety precautions, the Tribute event will be held virtually via STC’s youtube channel at 12:15 p.m. This will allow groups of 10 to gather at their own locations to celebrate their STAR and enjoy a gourmet lunch. This year’s luncheon will feature inspirational video remarks from a top-secret motivational speaker.

Sponsorships begin at $1,000 to nominate a STAR. Sponsors will receive a gourmet lunch for 10 (individually packaged), an engraved STAR award, floral arrangement to celebrate your luncheon and program booklets delivered to their pre-determined location. Each STAR will have a professional portrait taken to be used with event promotion.

“2020 has certainly been a challenge for fundraising,” said STC Executive Director for Institutional Advancement and Communication Gail Eubanks. “But our community is filled with wonderful men and women who work tirelessly to make Coastal Georgia a great place to live and work. With a virtual celebration, we hope to include STARS and sponsors from close-by communities who can celebrate with their STAR at a convenient spot, close to home.”

The individually packages meals will be prepared by award-winning Savannah Culinary Institute student chefs with COVID-19 safety protocols in place. The lunch features Mediterranean spiced wild-caught salmon with Kalamata olives, feta, grilled artichokes, prosciutto crisps, heirloom tomatoes, piquillo pepper, artisan lettuce and pecorino vinaigrette served with artisan bread and herbed compound butter. Individual mango verrine desserts include sponge cake with cocoa nibs, white chocolate chiboust crème, mango and ginger compote, dark chocolate chip garnish and fresh mangoes. Vegetarian meals are available by request.

The Tribute event is held annually and is sponsored by the STC Foundation Community Council, a group of young professionals charged with expanding the local knowledge and profile of Savannah Technical College and its mission and with raising funds to support the college, its programs and students.

Nominations will be accepted through October 5 space permitting. Call 912.443.3022 for information. Proceeds from the event benefit Savannah Technical College Foundation’s support of students.

Founded in 1984, the Savannah Technical College Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization that exists to raise and disburse funds to support the College’s efforts to enhance learning, workforce training and economic development in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties. The STC Foundation recently helped the College purchase 7 West Bay Street as the new location for an expansion of STC’s Culinary Arts program.

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#2106 | September 21, 2020

STC Executive Director Advancement and Communications: Gail Eubanks
912.443.3022 or geubanks@savannahtech.edu

Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

 

Constitution Day is September 17th

Commemorating the Constitution

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day are observed each year on September 17 to commemorate the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787, and “recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.” In 2004, through Senator Robert C. Byrd’s leadership, Congress included key provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2005, requiring public schools and government agencies to provide educational programs to promote a better understanding of the Constitution. (Public Law 108-477)

Constitution Day Activities: Sept. 17th

Click the links below for some fun activities to celebrate Constitution Day!

Test your knowledge of our Founding Fathershttps://www.constitutionfacts.com/?page=realOrFake.cfm

What’s Your Constitution I.Q.?https://www.constitutionfacts.com/?page=quiz.cfm

History of Constitution Crossword Puzzlehttps://www.constitutionfacts.com/content/funZone/files/Crossword_Intmd1.pdf

Constitution Day Word Findhttps://www.constitutionfacts.com/content/funZone/files/WordFind3.pdf

Get Your FREE pocket guide Constitution booklet –  Complements of Financial Aid Services available at your nearest Savannah Tech campus!

You can visit Constitutionfacts.com by clicking the image below

You can order your own Constitution Booklet by clicking the image below

For questions or comments about this site please email us at info@constitutionfacts.com

Happy Constitution Day!

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College will offer two virtual information sessions for homeschool families on September 24.

The sessions will include information about general education and technical education (occupational) options for students through dual enrollment and after high school graduation. Parents will learn how Savannah Tech provides a complement to the homeschool foundation for students while in high school and beyond.

STC Vice President for Economic Development Dr. Brent Stubbs will host the session accompanied by STC’s Dual Enrollment Coordinator Shatealy Johnson. Stubbs was homeschooled for eight years. He and his wife have homeschooled their children for the past 11 years.

“The opportunity at Savannah Technical College for homeschoolers is tremendous,” said Stubbs. “Our general education courses are both rigorous and taught by caring faculty. Our technical education options give homeschool families the confidence that their children can enter the world self-sufficient. We have a safe campus with a commuter population of serious students looking to improve their lives. That energy is contagious!” 

Virtual information sessions will be held at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on September 24. Advance registration is requested by Sept. 22 with this link https://tinyurl.com/STCHome2020.

Dual Enrollment allows qualified high school students to maximize their education and career training by taking courses that earn college and high school credit at the same time. Students may choose to enroll fully into a degree, diploma, or technical certificate of credit (TCC) program, or they may choose to just take a few courses. Courses are taught on college campuses, online and hybrid (a blend of online and in-person classes).

Starting in 10th grade, students are eligible to take occupational or CTAE courses through Dual Enrollment funding. Junior and senior level (11th and 12th grade) students are eligible to take core/general education, as well as occupational courses. Financial Aid is available for students who meet the requirements.

Savannah Tech offers 28 degree level core/general education classes (math, science, English, history, etc.) that transfer to any University System of Georgia (USG) or Technical College System of Georgia college or university plus many other colleges/universities outside of the state of Georgia.

 

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# 2105 | Sept. 4, 2020

Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College’s Professional Continuing Education department, the Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce and SCORE have created a series of live, online workshops called Black in Business.

“We have an opportunity to learn some things that will help our businesses grow,” said Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce President Moncello Stewart. “This partnership and series will help develop your business into what you want it to be.”

This free series will empower Black entrepreneurs and business owners to launch, climb and excel with the series of three online workshops. Sessions will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 23, Sept. 30 and Oct. 7.

“Savannah SCORE is excited and honored to be partnering with the Black Chamber and Savannah Tech to bring high quality business education programs to Savannah’s black community,” said Certified Mentor and Chapter Chair for Savannah SCORE Michael Siegel.

Each session will require individual registration. Entrepreneurs and business owners are encouraged to register for all three, but may also take sessions individually.

• Session I (Sept. 23) includes a business reality check and how to set up your business, which is based on SCORE’s popular “Business Launchpad” series. This Live Online Workshop will provide you with invaluable insights into things you need to know and do before starting your own business, and all the steps you need to take to get your business started. 
• Session II (Sept. 30) focuses on how to write an effective business plan and how to know your numbers with the fundamentals of financial management. The second workshop will explain why everyone needs a business plan and how to create one in only 10-12 pages. Participants will also learn how to understand and use essential financial reports to successfully manage their business.
• Session III (Oct. 7) features marketing fundamentals, digital marketing and social media. As part three of SCORE’s “Business Launchpad” series, participants learn the importance of effective marketing strategy, how to create a marketing plan and best practices for building a digital marketing campaign that harnesses the power of social media to grow their business.

Advance registration is required for the online workshops at https://www.savannahtech.edu/business-industry/small-business-resources/

SCORE is a non-profit resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. With a network of over 300 chapters and over 10,000 volunteer business mentors around the country, SCORE is the nation’s largest provider of free business mentoring services and educational programs for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. Savannah SCORE and its team of 45 volunteer business experts were named SCORE’s “2019 Mid-Market Chapter of the Year”. The Chapter is the only 4-time Platinum Chapter in the State of Georgia. For more information or to schedule a free mentoring session with a Savannah SCORE business mentor, go to https://savannah.score.org.

STC’s Professional Continuing Education Department partners with local chambers and business groups to address specific short-term training needs in both traditional and online classroom settings. Courses cover a variety of skills and workforce development options that match local employer’s needs.

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# 2104 | Sept. 2, 2020

Professional Continuing Education: 912.443.3012
https://www.savannahtech.edu/business-industry/courses

Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu