Valdosta, GA – Wiregrass Georgia Technical College officially welcomed students this week for the first-ever Wiregrass Summer Institute, an innovative program designed to provide high school students with hands-on career exploration, professional development, and college experiences during the summer months.
Hosted on the Valdosta Campus from June 1 through June 24, the Summer Institute serves rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors from across Wiregrass’s eleven-county service area. Students attend Monday through Thursday, participating in a Dual Enrollment Employability Skills course while gaining valuable work experiences across various college departments.
The program combines classroom instruction with real-world exposure to careers, helping students develop essential workplace skills such as professional communication, interviewing, resume development, teamwork, and leadership. Students also have opportunities to network with college faculty, staff, and community leaders while exploring the many educational pathways available at Wiregrass. Students who successfully complete the program will receive meaningful work experience and valuable insight into the college environment.
“This program was created to help students bridge the gap between high school and the workforce by providing meaningful, hands-on experiences in a college setting,” said Brooke Jaramillo, Executive Director of High School Services at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. “The Summer Institute allows students to build confidence, explore career interests, and develop professional skills that will benefit them regardless of the path they choose after graduation. We are excited to welcome this inaugural class and look forward to watching them grow throughout the month.”
Students begin each day with EMPL 1000: Employability Skills, taught by instructor Eric Caruthers, before rotating into departmental work experiences across campus.
“The Summer Institute reflects Wiregrass’s commitment to student success and workforce development,” said Thomas Wesley, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “By connecting students with real-world experiences and exposing them to college and career opportunities early, we are helping them make informed decisions about their futures while strengthening the talent pipeline for our region.”
The Summer Institute was developed through the collaborative efforts of the Wiregrass High School Services team and numerous college departments that volunteered to host students throughout the month. The college extends its appreciation to faculty and staff who are investing their time and the Wiregrass Foundation with guidance to help students gain valuable insight into careers, higher education, and professional expectations.
The inaugural Summer Institute runs through June 24 on the Valdosta Campus. For more information about Dual Enrollment and High School Services opportunities at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, visit Wiregrass.edu or contact the High School Services office at 229-333-2100.
