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$1M Grant Allows Veterans Attending GPTC to go Extra M.I.L.E.
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To assist in the education and training of veteran students for specialized high demand STEM careers, the NSF Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) July 1 awarded Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) a grant totaling $1 million. 

In its grant application, GPTC emphasized the ever-increasing demand for trained technicians to support the critical mechatronics industry, not only in its service area of DeKalb, Newton and Rockdale counties but across the country. 

Mechatronics is a “cutting-edge field” that merges mechanics, electronics and computer science to create intelligent machines and systems. 

“It’s a vital part of the overall manufacturing industry,” a press release stated.

To support this growing demand, the project will implement a pathway for military veterans enrolled at GPTC to have an immersive learning experience exposing them to the mechatronics career field. 

GPTC president and fellow veteran Tavarez Holston explained why this particular audience was the focus of the grant.

“I highly value and recognize the level of commitment and drive that our servicemen and women demonstrate day in and day out,” Holston said. “What better way to honor them than to connect them with meaningful, high-wage careers in an exciting field like mechatronics? We ‘have their six!’”

The MILE grant is referred to as a “pivot grant,” meaning it allows recipients to switch paths from previous careers. The training, education and career readiness will be managed primarily through the college’s economic development division where six cohorts of 10 students each will be enrolled in the 16-week long program, during which time they’ll be paid $24/hour for their training. 

Grant funding will go toward participant support and operational costs.

Over the course of the MILE training, veteran students will engage in a full-circle learning experience facilitated by GPTC faculty that combines hands-on training, career exploration and mentorship opportunities with local employers and community partners. 

Through this approach, the project will serve as an entry point into high-demand, high-wage careers as mechatronics technicians. Students will also have the opportunity to articulate earned credits toward GPTC’s degree programs in mechatronics or in related emerging technology fields, further advancing their educational and career pathways.

Because residents of the GPTC service area have a high population of economically disadvantaged and underrepresented students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields, this project has the potential to not only broaden participation in the mechatronics workforce but also to provide economic security for generations. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the wage for electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians in Georgia is about $80,000 per year.

The ExLENT program through the National Science Foundation focuses on expanding a diverse workforce in the advanced-technology fields that drive the nation’s economy.

Eastside High School announces Top 10 graduates for Class of 2025
eastside top 10

Eastside High School has announced the names of the top ten graduates of the Class of 2025. Leading the way are valedictorian, Ian White, and salutatorian, Malachi Scharf. Each of the top ten graduates have exciting prospects ahead of them as they prepare for life after high school.

Eastside High School’s 2025 Top 10 Graduates are:

• Ian White—The valedictorian, Ian plans to attend college and obtain a doctorate in chemical engineering. He selected Mr. Elijah Clark as his top teacher.

• Malachi Scharf—The salutatorian, Malachi plans to major in chemical engineering at Georgia Tech. He chose Mr. Michael Poor as his favorite teacher.

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Malachi Scharf (left) and Ian White (right) are Eastside High School’s 2025 Salutatorian and Valedictorian. - photo by Courtesy of Newton County School System

• Kaiden Blazina—Kaiden plans to attend Georgia College and State University to study biology with plans to become an anesthesiologist or a missionary. Kaiden selected Mrs. Haley Dawkins as his honored teacher.

• Abby Malcom—Abby will be attending Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in the fall to major in agribusiness. Her goal is to run a floral business. She selected Ms. Sara Beth Hammond as her top teacher.

• Shelby Moore—Shelby plans to attend Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College to pursue a degree in agricultural education. She selected Ms. Alisa Echols as her top teacher.

• Annalie Parker—Annalie will attend Georgia College & State University with plans to obtain a doctorate and pursue a career in the scientific field. She selected Dr. Catrina Pollard as her favorite teacher.

• Chandler Shurtz—Chandler plans to attend Georgia Tech to study industrial engineering. He selected Mrs. Kelly Elder as his honored teacher.

• Robby Thomas, Jr.—Robby will attend Georgia Tech to study aerospace engineering and astrophysics. His goal is to work for NASA. Robby chose Ms. Kayla Stoddard as his honored teacher.

• Anna Underwood—Anna is attending Georgia State Perimeter to study her core classes with plans to transfer to the University of Georgia. Her career goal is to become an elementary school teacher. She selected Mr. Eric Adams as her top teacher.

• Benjamin Weaver—Benjamin is attending Newberry College to play soccer and study in their pre-vet program before moving on to veterinary school. He selected Mr. Caleb Watson as his honored teacher