Okefenokee Technical College was recently awarded a Stay in School Grant and with the awarding of the grant funds, several new initiatives have been started. The 8th and 9th grade students in Bacon, Brantley, Charlton, Clinch, and Pierce counties are being visited by BJ Pyrzenski, OTC’s Stay in School Coordinator. Mrs. Pyrzenski has a BBA in marketing from Valdosta State University and has worked in job placement, recruiting, and real estate.

Mrs. Pyrzenski plans to meet with the students several times before the end of the year. Career Information will be provided to the students as well as information about OTC, Dual Enrollment, and how articulated credit works.

A Parent-Student Career Handbook will be given to each student. Its purpose is to help equip students with useful information about salaries, career choices, Okefenokee Technical College, career websites, financial aid, preparing resumes, and budgeting – just to name a few.

Efforts are being made to ease the transition of students from middle school to high school and to prevent high school students from dropping out. Eighth grade students will meet with high school teachers to discuss expectations, and eighth and ninth grade teachers will also meet to discuss expectations high school teachers will have of these students. Each eighth grade class will visit OTC and be provided with information on Admissions, Financial Aid, and Careers.

Eighth grade students will complete the GCIS Career Inventory and be introduced to the GAcollege411 website. Career inventory results will be discussed with the Coordinator and the teachers and students to help give students a focus on their futures. Staff development for teachers will also be conducted during faculty meetings to help teachers develop academic plans.

Mrs. Pyrzenski will be visiting in the area schools. For information, contact her at 284.2510.

Picture L to R: Okefenokee Tech’s BJ Pyrzenski, Stay in School Coordinator, and Charlie Gibson, Tech Prep Coordinator, prepare for school visits.