Middle Georgia Technical College

MGTC Hosts Camp for 9th and 10th Graders

July 3, 2007

The week of June 18-22 saw some younger-than-normal students descend on the campus of Middle Georgia Technical College. In partnership with the Houston County Board of Education, Northside High School, and Northside and Thomson Middle Schools, Middle Georgia Technical College hosted 25 students at its STAR (Supporting Technical and Academic Rigor) Camp.

The students were rising 9th and 10th graders who were nominated for the camp by counselors at their schools. The camp provided the students with information and experiences that will support and raise their awareness of technical education, career opportunities, and other career related activities. The camp was sponsored by the Stay-In-School Performance Grant that MGTC received from the Technical College System of Georgia.

Tajalyn Woodruff, Houston County Stay in School Program Manager said “Camp S.T.A.R. is one of several transition activities sponsored by the Houston County Stay-in-School Initiative. The camp, along with the activities that have preceded it, address the issues that affect freshman transition and student achievement. We aim to motivate students to set personal and academic goals that will help them achieve career success.”

The students participated in a variety of activities ranging from hands-on work in classrooms at MGTC, to visits to industry, to sessions designed to promote their communication skills, people skills, and tolerance of diversity.

One session, dealing with choices and their consequences, featured two young men affected by drunk driving incidents, one currently serving a thirteen year prison sentence for vehicular homicide and one who, after deciding to ride with a drunk driver, suffered permanent physical and neurological damage.

Students also spent time visiting Robins Air Force Base and Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter. “One of the most valuable portions of the week is when our students visit different industries in our community,” said Alicia Long, Education and Career Partnership Manager for MGTC. “We’d like to thank RAFB and GNFA for their warm reception and for the opportunity to educate these students about career opportunities in our area.”

By far the students’ favorite activities were getting to perform hands on work in selected programs at MGTC. “The students enjoyed their time in our classrooms in part because they were able to choose a specific program, but also because our instructors were able to give them some real-world examples of how an education from MGTC might be used,” said LaToya Lawson, Recruiter at MGTC.

On the last day of the camp, parents joined their students for lunch and an inspiring talk about perseverance from Agent Greg McClendon of the FBI. On the final day, students filled out surveys, several of which asked that the camp be longer next year.

For more information about Camp STAR or the Houston County Stay in School Initiative, contact Alicia Long or Tajalyn Woodruff at 478-988-6800×4006.

Students and parents listen to FBI Agent Greg McClendond on the final day of Camp STAR.