Local programs and resources to help our workforce on the road to recovery from COVID-19

In a recent interview billionaire entrepreneur, Mark Cuban advised Americans to use any down-time to brush up on the skills that might impress your future employer. He’s not alone. In most interview prep articles, job-seekers are encouraged to prepare for questions on what they learned or new skills obtained, while working from home, or out-of-work, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fortunately, the Golden Isles has many no-cost or low-cost programs to help residents learn and grow. Whether you need to polish up on presentation skills or are looking to pursue a trade, various programs and delivery methods are available for adults and youth students.

Over the next week, our team will share information and stories about available programs and the students they serve. This is not an exhaustive list of programs and resources available, but a starting point to help our community discover what is possible. Click on any of the organization’s titles to learn more or apply. If you don’t see a program or organization that should be featured- let us know.

• Coastal Pines Technical College offers over 130 programs across their 7 locations. From dual-enrollment to adult education, Coastal is a great place to explore what is possible for your future. There are 10 FREE online courses in topics like Healthcare and Industrial Maintenance. Right now all classes are being offered online, and many days are waiving application fees.

• Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority Inc. seeks to improve families’ quality of life through education, training, comprehensive services, and advocacy. Their community services focus includes employment services and training. Training involves 3 to 4 hours twice a week, resume-building skills, job readiness skills, and mock interviews.

• STAR Foundation, Inc. has provided people with a supportive and positive environment to learn appropriate workplace attitudes, behaviors, financial planning, life skills, and computer skills for over 22 years. Programs range from a one-week boot camp to a six-week employment readiness curriculum.

• Georgia Veterans Education Career offers courses in the following Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) programs through Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC). To provide flexibility for our veteran population and their families, many of these courses can be completed online.

• Marches of Glynn Libraries is a great option for those that prefer to learn at their own pace. The possibilities are endless with your library card; from GALILEO for access subscription-only content to MANGO, which offers access to 60 foreign language course

• Institute for Executive Women provides professional leadership through programs, seminars, and coaching. They connect women to develop community and encourage mentoring.

• Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Georgia works with young people to keep them on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future. Students active in their CareerLaunchTM is a career exploration and mentoring program for teens ages 13-18.

• Georgia Department of Labor has online resources to help youth and adults explore careers, wage trends, and regional job postings

Many of the above programs are available at no cost, or with a nominal fee; however, Georgia residents pursuing an education program may be eligible for HOPE financial aid. Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally (HOPE) has provided more than $10 billion of financial assistance for educational programs beyond high school. Funded by the Georgia Lottery for Education, this unique initiative has helped more than 1.8 million students at eligible state public and private universities and public technical schools to create a “better-educated workforce…and invest in (Georgia’s) economic future”. Learn more about the scholarships and grants by clicking here. 

It’s never too late, or too early, to gain new skills.  Let us work together on the road to recovery from COVID-19 and #KeepGlynnRunning.