Dr. Linda M. Edington, campus director of Athens Technical College (ATC), spoke at Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties.

Dr. Edington started her presentation by stating: “The mission of Athens Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, is to provide educational programs and services that foster lifelong learning, facilitates workplace success, and promotes economic development.”

Dr. Edington advised of the ATC opportunities which include: 28 diploma programs, 26 associate degree programs, GED/Adult Education (administers GED exam once a quarter), Economic Development Services, Work Ready Assessments, meeting space, proctoring for professional credentials and Community Seminars.

She further commented: “the Economic Development Services include, but are not limited to, 61 technical certificates, Continuing Education, Business and Industry Services, Human Resources Services, WorkForce Development/WorkKeys, Existing Employee Training and retraining for tax credit. Some examples of Economic Development are — continuing education (Spanish, Real Estate), Human Resources Services (training and testing in critical technology areas), Microcomputer Academy (basic to master level skills) and Labor and Organizational Services (lean manufacturing, strategic planning).”

Dr. Edington further stated that Student affairs are a critical focus of ATC. This focus is achieved through three key areas: Academic Focus, which insures free tutoring to assist students in achieving maximum academic performances, Career Development, ATC provides students and alumni with a centralized service to assist in locating employment opportunities and developing job search skills, and Guidance and Counseling, which affords students an opportunity for help with problems encountered in academic pursuits and offer support in dealing with work-related, personal or financial problems. ATC also provides many opportunities for financial assistance, such as the Hope Scholarship, Federal Pell grant, Athens Merit-Based scholarships and Veterans program.

In concluding her talk, Dr. Edington quoted words from Eric Hoffer: “In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a work that no longer exists.”

Rotarians joined Dr. Edington in looking forward to ATC being an exemplary education partner with all in our Lake Area.