The training for General Industry provides “training for entry-level workers and employers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in workplaces.”

Work-Based Learning students are taking advantage of their opportunity to "learn and earn". Students from Treutlen and Vidalia School Systems have enrolled in the WBL program as an added learning experience. Vidalia WBL student Thomas Allen works at Kilgore Animal Clinic. Mr. Allen is pursuing a career interest as a veterinarian.

The Teaching As a Profession (TAP) students have enjoyed their first experiences in the classroom. Primary, elementary, and middle school teachers are mentoring TAP students in order for them to learn more about the teaching profession. Lydia Baker, TCHS TAP student, is teaching students in Mr. Rustin Wright's 6th grade Social Studies class at Toombs County Middle School.

Dr. Kip Hart’s introductory Energy Pathway students have explored a variety of issues related to the industry, including pollution. As a part of their study of environmental responsibilities, laws, and regulations, the students took a moment to create “smog in a jar”. This facilitated a discussion about pollution production and its negative impacts. Students agreed that the industry should always take a careful, proactive approach to any potential negative environmental consequences.

A veteran educator has been named the drone instructor for Southeastern Early College and Career Academy (SECCA). Amy Gillies, a Vidalia City Schools teacher for the last fourteen years, will be taking over the drone program in August. Mrs. Gillies brings a wealth of knowledge from the public-school setting and aerospace industry. She holds an education specialist degree in teacher leadership from Valdosta State University and is FAA Remote Pilot sUAS certified.

McDonald's of Vidalia has been selected as a SECCA Business Partner. McDonald's has been one of the longest, dedicated business partners with the SECCA Work-Based Learning Program (WBL). They have been successfully employing and mentoring high school WBL students for many years.

Vidalia 10-Minute Lube is a part-time employer for SECCA Work-Based Learning (WBL) students. Owners Vince and Charlotte Meadows and their mechanics offer students hands-on opportunities to learn about automobile service.

Dennard Drugs of Soperton has been selected as a SECCA Business Partner! Dennard Drugs is a major supporter of our Treutlen High School Work-Based Learning Program. Mr. Dennard and his staff serve as strong, professional role models for Viking students enrolled in WBL. Dennard Drugs offers students valuable work opportunities and experiences that will better prepare them for their future. Pictured: Mr. Richard Dennard and Logan Powell

Students in the Energy Pathway at Southeastern Early College and Career Academy (SECCA) now have a transformer for closer study thanks to the recent donation of local Georgia Power and manager Greg Hudgins. The transformer includes a cutaway window to study the interior structure. Students are transitioning from the study of electrical generation to transmission and distribution. Pictured are students from Toombs County High School and Vidalia High School, and Georgia Power Employees. Left to right: Mason Moxley (VHS), RIken Patel (VHS), Chad Rogers (GPC), Scott Branch (GPC), Eli Bridges (TCHS), and Cristina Tinoco (TCHS)

Twenty representatives of local manufacturing and logistics companies along with Toombs-Montgomery Chamber executives met recently at Southeastern Early College and Career Academy (SECCA) to launch a new program, Make It - Move It, a high school pathway on designing and shipping goods. By partnering with local businesses, SECCA can provide work-ready graduates who will be motivated team members in local industries. SECCA Board of Directors initiated the program and is working with Shelly Smith, SECCA CEO, and SECCA staff to make it happen.

Pictured: SECCA Board Member Don Betts and SECCA CEO Shelly Smith

Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan celebrated College and Career Academies across Georgia by hosting the 12th Annual Business and Education Summit. The event was held on December 9th at Lanier Technical College in Gainesville. Surrounded by educators, students, and business leaders, Duncan congratulated the award winners and recognized the significant impact College and Career Academies are having throughout Georgia. During the Summit, Lt. Governor Duncan made a presentation for College and Career Academy Approved Certification for Southeastern Early College and Career Academy (SECCA). Sabrina Campbell accepted the award on behalf of SECCA.

SECCA's Energy Program recently supported an event hosted by Southern Nuclear and Georgia Power to expose area girls to careers in energy. Students from are high schools traveled to Plant Hatch to learn more about 'Women in STEM' and career opportunities in the energy industry. The group heard from energy industry female professionals, participated in activities on electricity, toured the plant site, and enjoyed lunch.

Southeastern Early College and Career Academy (SECCA) has selected Harry Moses Construction as the November Business Partner of the Month. Deanna Glisson, a senior at Vidalia High School, has been employed with HMC for two and a half years while enrolled in the Work-Based Learning Program. Deanna has learned valuable work ethics as well as forming long-lasting relationships with her mentors, Mrs. Elaine Deloach and Mr. Carol Williams.

Former Navy Seal, Fred Godbee, was the guest speaker at the annual Veteran’s Day Luncheon sponsored by the Downtown Vidalia Association. Fred serves on our SECCA Board of Directors. Awesome job!

The JROTC Thunderbolts participated in the Downtown Vidalia Association Veteran’s Day Program on November 11th.

Welcome to our new board member, Chris Hartley. Chris works in the family business, Robin Builders. We appreciate you!

Michelle Johnson and Debbie Evans are two of our newest board members. Both work at the Toombs-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce. We appreciate you!

Meet our newest board member, Kelly Tippett. She is our parent representative from Vidalia High School and is the mother of Chayton Tippett, the JROTC Regimental Commander Cadet. She is an employee of Southeastern Technical College. We appreciate you!

Two students from SECCA’s Energy Pathway participated in a job-shadowing day with a Georgia Power line crew. Austin Beck and Breyson Gladden, Treutlen County High School students, expressed strong interests in working with electrical distribution systems. The students spent the entire day with Georgia Power and experienced a safety briefing, job briefings, and a day out with the crew. The job-shadow experience gave them a greater insight into industry careers and a typical day in the energy workforce.

Greg Hudgins, local manager for Georgia Power, coordinated with Dr. Hart’s Energy Pathway students to bring a day of learning from line workers. Casey Woods and Heidi Wease are line crew employees with Georgia Power. They provided students with experiences and information related to their line worker careers, safety issues, and employability. The students were actively engaged in asking questions to better understand the importance and challenges of line work and the benefits of a career in the energy industry with Georgia Power. Pictured are Austin Beck from Treutlen High School and Heidi Wease, line worker.