welding ,” she says .
In addition , students who go through the trucking program are in high demand to enter the workforce after spending just a few weeks at the college .
“ Someone can go through a truck driving program in 10 weeks and get a job ,” she says . “ People are beating down our doors for our truck driving graduates . They are desperate for truck drivers , and so , to change somebody ’ s life in 10 weeks . … To me , we don ’ t have only an impact on that graduate but on their families .”
Harden says when family members see their relative graduate and become successful , it often has a domino effect . She remembers seeing a non-traditional student graduate become employed and successful and then later seeing her sisters follow in her footsteps , and she realizes the impact is broad .
“ Her sisters then went on to college because she set the example for them because sometimes , you ’ re just breaking that cycle , and so that , to me , is exciting to see , not just one person impacted by their education but a whole family ,” Harden says . “ Many times , you stop generational poverty that way .”
Harden says she is excited about several programs at the college right now , one being the college ’ s dual enrollment program .
“ We ’ re excited about what we ’ re doing with dual enrollment and working with Washington County High School as well as Brentwood ,” she says . “ That ’ s been something we ’ ve expanded over the years that ’ s been very successful .”
A robust nursing program and bridge program attracts students from all over the state , and industrial programs that are in high demand guarantee that students will find work after college . She ’ s proud of the adult education program , a free service offered in all 11 counties for underserved adults who do not have a high school diploma and want to get a GED . The college also offers business programs , cosmetology , early childhood care and education on the Sandersville campus as
Brentwood Dual Enrollment - Group Photo of Brentwood students who are enrolled in Welding classes through OFTC ’ s Dual Enrollment Program .
48 SANDERSVILLE SCENE