2013 Edition collegeguide
Lanier Tech, Gwinnett Tech offer many options to students By BETSY RHAME-MINOR news@northfulton.com
With the expansion of Gwinnett Tech into North Fulton later this year, in an area where Lanier Tech already has a strong presence, students have more opportunities to benefit from a technical education. “The technical college
system is a great kept secret in this state,” explained David Parrish, director of marketing at Lanier Technical College. “Very few people seem to understand the technical college system in Georgia.” Gwinnett Tech and Lanier Tech are two of the 25 technical colleges across Georgia, which are all accredited by the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools. Technical colleges provide students with skills they need to enter the workforce while taking freshman- and sophomorelevel courses to complete an associate’s degree or get a head start on a bachelor’s degree that will be completed later. Through an agreement with the University System of
Georgia, technical college students can easily transfer to universities in the system. “We now have a seamless education system,” Parrish said. There are plenty of advantages to taking part in what the Technical College System of Georgia has to offer. When students enroll, they have three choices: finishing their high school credits to receive a diploma, obtaining a technical certificate of credit or earning an associate’s degree. The last two options can be combined, and both of these together or separately are attractive to employers. “Many of the key employers in North Fulton want their technical employees to hold associates degrees, so increased availability of higher education will significantly benefit the workforce and residents of North Fulton,” explained Sharon Bartels, president of Gwinnett Technical College. For example, Lanier Tech offers a program in solar energy technology. Parrish says a student can take classes in solar energy panel installation while receiving an associate’s degree in
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applied science at the same time. After completion or later, that student could transfer to a four-year school to complete a bachelor’s degree or just simply join the workforce. “North Fulton has a very healthy balance between business development and population growth and a very strong need for the workforce training,” said Bartels. Technical schools also offer the advantage of dual enrollment for high school students in North Fulton. Obtaining a technical education or an associate’s degree is an affordable alternative to funding an education at a four-year institution. Though tuition and fees for Georgia’s technical college students will rise 13 percent this year, it’s still substantially more affordable than a four-year institution. In many cases, scholarships and grants are available to Georgia college students no matter if they’ve chosen to attend a four-year, two-year or technical school. “[Technical colleges give] employers what they need,” said Parrish. “It’s a very good partnership. Georgia wins.”
degree completion or online programs applicants who turn in all completed application materials by May Continued from Page 44 1. “Different programs have See if Reinhardt is Right different entry points, so we for You encourage students to apply “We encourage all early,” Fleming said. “If you prospective students to visit let us know you’re interested, and see first-hand if Reinhardt we’ll be glad to help you get is a good fit,” said Director of to know Reinhardt and how it Admission Julie Fleming. can help ‘shape’ your life and Prospective students ‘build’ your future.” and their families can attend MBA class caption a special Saturday preview MBA students discuss day or a weekday tour on the their next assignment main campus in Waleska, Ga. with Assistant Professor See Reinhardt.edu/visit for of Economics Dr. John details. Yelvington (standing). Information sessions – All Reinhardt programs offered this spring during offer small classes, a April – spotlight the North welcoming atmosphere, Fulton, graduate and degree high expectations for growth completion programs. See and success, and caring Reinhardt.edu/infosession professors with real-world for specifics. Students can knowledge and expertise in also meet individually with their fields. To learn more, an admissions counselor. As visit Reinhardt.edu. an incentive to apply early, application fees will be waived —Content supplied by this spring for graduate, Reinhardt University
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Education Answer Book™ | 2013 Edition | Appen Media