July 2023
- Macon-Bibb uses Dual Enrollment to graduate firefighters
- Peach State Tour Returns Throughout September
- UNG Addresses Nursing Shortage with Accelerated Track Program
- Training Opportunities
Macon-Bibb uses Dual Enrollment to graduate firefighters
The HOPE Career Grant looks to provide educational opportunities for residents to become skilled workers in fields with available positions. Since the global pandemic, finding employees for the first responder industry has been difficult according to Macon-Bibb County Fire Chief Shane Edwards. That’s why he recently celebrated the appointment of Sergeant Lawrence Marable to the role of Fire Training Dual Enrollment Instructor.
“Teaching is something I have always wanted to explore, and I love firefighting, so this is really the best of both,” said Sgt. Marable. “I’m really excited to take on this new role and help high school students learn more about this public safety career.”
Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) and Bibb County School District (BCSD) recently announced a partnership to allow high school seniors to receive fire training. Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, seniors enrolled at the Hutchings College & Career Academy can take classes at Macon-Bibb’s new Fire Training Academy.
“Just in the past two months here, I’ve done more now than I’ve done in the first 20 year of my life,” said Fire Recruit Brandon Jones. “I went from wondering how I’m going to walk with 40 extra pounds on my back to standing in a room with a 800-degree fire. The training they’re providing here is definitely worth it.”
Using the state’s Dual Enrollment program, students will earn four CGTC class credits while still in high school. All gear needed for training will be provided for free and transportation will be provided to the Academy.
“Our goal is when that student walks across that stage and they receive their diploma from the Superintendent,” said Edwards, “the Fire Chief can be standing there to hand them a helmet for the job they’ll have after they walk off that stage.”
Some of the approved programs of study under the HOPE Career Grant include Professional Firefighter, Crime Scene Investigation and Basic Law Enforcement. Learn more about these TCSG-Eligible programs where free tuition is available for state residents.
Peach State Tour Returns Throughout September
Augusta University, Georgia State University, Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia have joined again for the 2023 Peach State Tour. These events are free and open to all students and their families, but space is limited. Check the Peach State Tour site for registration details.
There will also be virtual sessions via Zoom Webinars on consecutive Wednesdays - August 30, September 6 and September 13 - from 6 to 7 p.m. An Out of State virtual session is scheduled for September 20 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Students can learn more about the four schools in the University System of Georgia at these In-Person Sessions:
Gainesville – Tuesday, August 29: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Athens – Thursday, August 31: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Savannah – Tuesday, September 5: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Atlanta – Tuesday, September 5: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Augusta – Thursday, September 7: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Norcross – Tuesday, September 12: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Kennesaw – Thursday, September 14: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Valdosta – Tuesday, September 19: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Adairsville – Tuesday, September 19: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Americus – Thursday, September 21: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Blue Ridge – Thursday, September 21: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Newnan – Tuesday, September 26: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Hazlehurst – Tuesday, September 26: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Columbus – Thursday, September 28: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Macon – Thursday, September 28: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
UNG Addresses Nursing Shortage with Accelerated Track Program
According to the American Association of College of Nursing, a shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) is expected to intensify as the need for health care grows. In Georgia, health professionals like Dr. Ashley Blackmon, President of the United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses of Georgia, are worried about the future of the industry.
“I was just observing with some of my colleagues the other day about how we're not seeing any baby-boomer nurses or any of that generation," said Dr. Blackmon recently to WXIA-11 Alive. "We're even seeing less Gen X nurses as well.”
The National Library of Medicine recently reported there are currently approximately one million registered nurses older than 50 years, meaning one-third of the workforce could be at retirement age in the next 10 to 15 years. Assistance is needed to address medical centers around the state with high turnover rates due to burnout and excessive wait times in the emergency room.
“The wait times are long,” said Sarah Clay, a cardiac nurse at Pheobe Putney Memorial Hospital. “A lot of times, we can’t even send you up to the floor that you need to go to because either they don’t have adequate staffing to take care of another person being brought up, or it’s actually full and we don’t have a bed. It’s really that bad.”
But programs across the state are in place to reverse this trend. The University of North Georgia, in partnership with the Northeast Georgia Health System, are recruiting for its accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing track (ABSN). Students who already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in another subject can enroll and complete their new degree in only 15 months.
“We know there is an enormous nursing shortage that is putting a burden on the health care system,” said Dr. Sharon Jones, assistant professor of nursing and ABSN coordinator. “We need help, and these students in the ABSN track can provide that assistance.”
The Behavioral Health Professions Service Cancelable Loan Program (BHP SCL) is holding to provide additional assistance, helping certain nurses and instructors who qualify for a service cancellable loan towards educational costs. BHP SCL intends to attract and retain residents within the health care profession to fill the increased need now and in the future.
“A lot of people don’t go and won’t go because they know that going to school for anything healthcare you are going to rack up a nice bill,” Clay said to WALB News. “(BHP SCL) will lift the ultimate burden because that’s a burden.”
Read about how nurses are in demand in rural areas of Georgia in last month's Student Newsroom.
Training Opportunities
Remember, GSFC’s outreach staff is available year-round to conduct FREE training's, workshops and information sessions across the state of Georgia.
Over the last year, GSFC’s outreach team has incorporated online live webinars.
Topics include:
- State financial aid programs (HOPE, Dual Enrollment, etc.)
- SURFER/STARS
- Transcript Exchange
- FAFSA Completion
- GAfutures.org Overview
Visit the Outreach module to learn more about the GSFC’s outreach team what services are provided.
Contact your outreach representative to schedule your training, or contact our offices:
Phone: 770.724.9000 Toll Free: 800.505.GSFC
K -12 email: outreach@gsfc.org
Postsecondary email: SAS@gsfc.org