AT&T has donated $12,000 to Savannah Technical College to support instruction for the City of Savannah’s Summer 500 program, which provides internship, apprenticeship and mentoring opportunities for 500 rising high school seniors in the Greater Savannah area.
 
“AT&T is pleased to support this community effort, bringing together businesses across the community to provide summer employment and training for the Summer 500 students,” said AT&T Regional Director for External Affairs-Southeast Georgia Gary Sanchez.  “Savannah Technical College offers a critical component of soft skills training students must have for success with any job.”
 
During the nine-week program, participating students will invest at least 32 hours per week, split between direct work experiences (Monday-Thursday) with their mentoring employer. Fridays are reserved for leadership development, career pathway training and mentoring at Savannah Technical College.  Summer 500 students, who come to STC on Fridays, will earn both high school and college credit for Interpersonal Relations and Professional Development (EMPL 1000) through Move On When Ready.
 
“We are excited to play a key role for Savannah’s Summer 500 apprentices by providing them with critical job-acquisition and retention skills through our EMPL 1000 class,” said STC President Dr. Kathy Love. “AT&T’s support underscores the value our workforce development programs.”
 
Savannah Technical College has expanded the traditional EMPL 1000 curriculum for this Friday class to include guest speakers, interactive group activities and more. It emphasizes human relations and professional development in today’s rapidly changing world that prepares students for living and working in a complex society. Topics include human relations skills, job acquisition skills and communication, job retention skills, job advancement skills and professional image skills.
 
“Savannah Technical College is a great resource for workforce development in our area, and it was a perfect partnership to team up with for the Summer 500!” said Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach. “We know this will be the best summer yet for our interns!”