On Thursday, May 2, Southeastern Technical College (STC), along with Toombs County Family Connection, co-hosted the third annual This Guy Can graduation.

This Guy Can is a workforce development program created in collaboration with Toombs County Development Authority and Greater Vidalia Chamber. Its aim is to provide male students with exposure to and hands-on experience in career pathways traditionally dominated by females.

Toombs County Family Connection offered their 7th and 8th grade after school students at Vidalia Learning Center and Toombs County After School with the opportunity to participate. Students spent each afternoon during the week of April 15 in a different program area of Southeastern Tech. 

"The Technical College System of Georgia defines a non-traditional career as comprised 75% of one gender, as determined by labor statistics. We are in our third year, and the program has been a success. We are trying to expand the views of job fields available to males and females. If students are inclined to help others, they may want to consider the Early Childhood Care and Education field," said Helen Thomas, Special Needs Specialist at STC. 

Students spent Monday learning how to create personalized business cards in Business Technology with Dr. Jessica Eisner.

On Tuesday, students learned various braiding techniques in Cosmetology. Several students admitted that they loved this hands-on activity led by Mrs. Althea Ricks and Mrs. Jamie Lambert. 

The third day, participants spent time in the Early Childhood Care & Education program where Mrs. Mindy Sumner challenged students to be creative in an art activity. Some of Sumner's current students were present to discuss different career paths within this field.

The workshop series wrapped up on Thursday. Participants learned about Southeastern Technical College's Radiology Technology program from Mr. Keagan Spell and Medical Assistant training from Mrs. Erin Rollins. Rollins taught the boys how to check blood pressure, how to tie a tourniquet, and much more. The students said they really enjoyed using the stethoscope and learning about what phlebotomists do on a daily basis. 

During the graduation ceremony, Paige Williamson, Family Connection Director, welcomed everyone and provided an overview of the program. Helen Thomas of STC expressed the College's excitement to partner with This Guy Can. Kurt Peters, a graduate of Southeastern Technical College's nursing program, and Michele Johnson, Executive Director of the Greater Vidalia Chamber, were keynote speakers. Participants then received a certificate of completion. After the graduation, everyone gathered in the Student Center for a meal. 

"Thanks to our sponsors at Trane Technologies, our students gained some much needed hands-on experience during This Guy Can," said Williamson. "We simply could not do this program without our wonderful partnerships. Thank you to the fantastic instructors for engaging our students this week in such a meaningful way. We appreciate each of them and are encouraged by all the opportunities our students have at their fingertips through Southeastern Tech. I'd also like to specifically thank Helen Thomas, Jeannie Morris, and Laura McCullough at STC for planning, decorating, and hosting the program. Our community can accomplish big things when we work together towards a common goal and this program is proof."