Education

Augusta Technical College continues to re-imagine our future workforce with a strong emphasis on technology. Late yesterday, Dr. Jermaine Whirl, President of Augusta Tech, shared the news of a $1.6 million grant. The U.S. Dept. of Education Predominantly Black Institutions Formula grant will be spread out over five years. The VARIETY (Virtual and Augmented Reality in Engineering Technology) Grant is designed to enhance student engagement and improve educational outcomes in electrical and computer engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, and nuclear engineering technology, as well as encourage women to pursue engineering

A Superior Court judge dismissed a defamation case against WGAC and talk show host, Austin Rhodes Tuesday afternoon, saying the defendant, James Faller, did not have sufficient evidence to prove clear and actual malice. Faller had filed the suit against Rhodes, claiming that in a show aired in January 2021 and subsequent broadcasts, Rhodes made false and malicious statements about him that damaged his reputation. Faller is the former CEO of GlobalNet, a leader in dial-up internet services in the 1990’s, which was headquartered in the Lamar Building in downtown

Last year, 40 people graduated from the Salvation Army Kroc Center’s Job Skills Training Program, and of those, 80 percent found immediate employment, according to Chris Bailey. Bank of America recently donated $20,000 to the program. Bailey, the Center’s marketing and public relations manager, said Bank of America’s donation will probably be used to update equipment and keep the program running. “Workforce development is key to advancing economic opportunity and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of this program on our region for years to come,” said Marissa

A 13-year-old boy has been arrested for an armed robbery that happened at GameStop on Deans Bridge Road on Saturday, July 9. While such crimes may appear to be random, and there is little businesses can do to prevent them, that’s not always the case, according to Capt. Brandon Beckman with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. Beckman, who oversees the office’s Criminal Investigation Division, shared some strategies business owners can use to prevent robberies. “I think ensuring proper coverage at all times plays a part in robberies,” he said. “As

The average cost of tuition for four-year colleges in South Carolina is around $12,500, but Aiken Technical College’s tuition this fall may be free for eligible S.C. residents. It’s part of the SC WINS scholarship program designed to address workforce shortages in the state. It supplements Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTAP) to help cover tuition and other fees left after applying for other scholarships and grants.  Aiken Tech is in celebration mode for good reason. Offering free tuition, providing community service for United Way and other nonprofits, honoring former employees and

Like everyone else, Rian True was saddened by watching news coverage of the May 24 shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that killed 21 people. But True, a local business owner is now doing his part to help prevent tragedies like that in the future. He owns and operates two local businesses: Carolina CoverTech, a manufacturing facility in North Augusta, and School Safety Solution, a company that sells and ships a variety of products designed to keep students and employees safe in schools throughout the U.S. One of

A local college can now stay afloat and has the potential to grow, thanks to a multimillion-dollar investment from a New York-based impact investment firm that supports small businesses in rural and underserved communities throughout the United States, including Georgia. Paine College, a historically black college located in downtown Augusta, received financing from Enhanced Capital Group’s impact fund in December 2021. For many years, Paine has struggled with financial problems. The college has used this funding to restructure its current debts and free up cash, according to the company’s Georgia

According to Libby Conkey, earning a Professional MBA from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina has created many opportunities for networking and future career advancement. Conkey, a risk analyst for Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, graduated from the program in 2021 after earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2017. “I know having earned my MBA in the early stages of my career will only benefit me in the future as I strive to advance in

If you want to increase your company’s productivity or become a more effective leader, Aiken Technical College may have just the course you need. The college has begun offering The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Signature Edition 4.0 course. The two-day, in-person class covers each of the habits, which include Be Proactive, Begin with the End in Mind and Put First Things First. Nikasha Dicks, Aiken Tech’s Director of Marketing and Public Relations, said it incorporates a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, videos, interactive discussions, and small-group activities.