This Guy Can Celebrates its First Graduating Class
This Guy Can, a workshop series by Family Connection, aimed to increase awareness of and interest in nontraditional career pathways for males, celebrated its first graduating class on April 27, 2022, at Southeastern Technical College (STC) in Vidalia. Seventh and eighth grade students from the Vidalia Learning Center and Toombs County After School traveled to Southeastern Technical College over a three-day span to learn about five career pathways. They toured Dental Hygiene, Cosmetology, Business Technology, Early Childhood Care & Education, and nursing programs, learning details about each from STC instructors and current STC students. This Guy Can started its first day at Southeastern Tech’s Dental Hygiene Clinic with program director Dr. Jennifer Gramiak and her students. Participants were provided hands-on experience and pertinent information regarding the Dental Hygiene program.
On day two, the group met with Business Technology Instructor Liz Noles and used Microsoft to create their own personal business cards.
Day three offered discussions with male nursing students and was completed with interactive classroom sessions with Early Childhood Care & Education Instructor Mindy Sumner.
On the fourth day, participants learned about the importance of skin care with STC Cosmetology Instructor Althea Coney.
Graduation participants received a certificate of completion, a program tshirt, and an engraved water thermos from Family Connection. Speakers included Senator Blake Tillery, Helen Thomas, Special Needs Specialist at Southeastern Technical College, and Jeffrey Harden, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial Health Meadows Hospital. After the graduation, parents and participants enjoyed a meal in the student center, served by The Forge. “We have received such positive feedback from parents and we look forward to offering this program again in the fall. We can’t wait to watch this class of participants choose their career pathways and follow their dreams,” said Paige Williamson, Director of Family Connection. “This program would not be possible without our wonderful sponsors – Trane and Georgia Power. We would like to thank them for entrusting us with their resources. A special thanks also to our partners at the Greater Vidalia Chamber, Toombs County Development Authority, Toombs County Schools, Vidalia City Schools, Southeastern Early College & Career Academy (SECCA), and Chicken of the Sea. To our partners at Southeastern Technical College, we thank you for your passion for this project and for making these unforgettable workshops possible.” For more information on career pathways at Southeastern Tech, visit www.southeasterntech.edu or call (912) 538-3100 or (478) 289-2200.
This Guy Can Spring 2022 Graduating Class and Volunteers
