Carolyn Sims, a proud graduate of South Georgia Technical College (SGTC), has built an inspiring career bridging education, youth development, and workforce readiness. After completing multiple programs at SGTC including Cosmetology and Early Childhood Care and Education and attending classes in Criminal Justice and Business Technology, she is now helping young people find their passion.
Sims is currently working at the Southwest Georgia United YouthBuild program as a Career Specialist. YouthBuild is a free program designed to help young people gain essential life skills, earn their GED, and build career pathways through hands-on experience in housing construction and repair. Participants also work toward earning certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). The program is rooted in a vision of building strong, sustainable communities through education and workforce development.
While construction was not one of the classes she took at SGTC, she learned the value of a hands-on education and the importance of helping students find their passion and gain the skills needed to enter the workforce. She also participated in SkillsUSA activities as a student.
During her time at SGTC, Sims did gain valuable skills across a variety of fields, including hands-on training cosmetology and foundational course work in early childhood education, business, and criminal justice. These experiences helped shape her understanding of both individual and community needs, and laid the groundwork for her future career.
Sims also expanded her knowledge after South Georgia Technical College and attended Fort Valley State University where she earned her Masters in Education. But her passion for education started at South Georgia Technical College.
“I had great instructors,” said Sims. “Mrs. Martha Arrington was my cosmetology instructor and then Mrs. Jaye Cripe was my Early Childhood Care and Education instructor. I also took Criminal Justice classes from Chief Whitehead and business classes from Donna Lawrence and Anita Barron. They all had a great influence on my life and encouraged me to continue my education.”
Today, she is passing that torch and serving as a mentor and encouraging young people to explore academic and career training opportunities including bringing her students to South Georgia Technical College to learn more about the opportunities awarded through a technical education.
As a Career Specialist, Sims helps youth explore opportunities, prepare for employment and training and make informed decisions about the futures. Her unique background – blending technical studies with advance education and real-world experiences allows her to connect with students on multiple levels and guide them toward fulfilling careers.
“Working with young people and helping them discover their potential is incredibly rewarding,” said Sims. “My journey from SGTC to earning my master’s taught me so much about dedication, resilience, and lifelong learning, and I’m grateful to be able to give back to the community in this way.”
Sims’ story, like many SGTC graduates, showcases how technical education can provide a powerful springboard – providing a solid foundation for continued academic achievement, meaningful community impact and rewarding careers.
South Georgia Technical College will be recognizing many of its former students and graduates during its Homecoming/Sophomore Day Celebration on Saturday, February 28th in the James S. Peters gymnasium. All alumni, former employees, students, and the community are invited to come out and enjoy an afternoon of fun which includes a men’s and women’s basketball game pitting South Georgia Tech’s Jets and Lady Jets against Albany Tech’s Titans and Lady Titans. The women’s game tips-off at 1 p.m. and the men’s game begins at 3 p.m.
In addition to the basketball games and recognition of SGTC’s Sophomore players and alumni, the Americus-Sumter County Chamber will also be providing a free hamburger and hot dog luncheon beginning at 12:15 p.m. SGTC will be giving away door prizes and free t-shirts while supplies last as part of the Black-Out theme for the games.
Sims was visiting the South Georgia Technical College Crisp County Center recently to enjoy another SGTC alumnus Sennica Harris, Regional Support Specialist for Food Lion, speak at SGTC’s Black History Celebration. Sims was reminiscing with SGTC Career Services Director Cynthia Carter prior to the start of the program about her time at South Georgia Tech.
“We are so proud of our graduates,” said Carter. “I remember Carolyn when she was a student here and now she is bringing future students for tours and we are working with her to help those students explore academic and career training opportunities like she enjoyed.”
South Georgia Technical College graduates are the back bone of many organizations and communities throughout Georgia and across the United States. It is one of the oldest technical colleges in Georgia. It began operation in 1948 and now offers offer 200 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate of credit educational program. SGTC also offers students the “Complete College Experience” with on-campus housing and nationally ranked academics, athletics, and student activities.
To share your experiences as a South Georgia Tech student or graduate or to learn more about the SGTC Homecoming event on Saturday, February 28th, contact SGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Su Ann Bird, at sbird@southgatech.edu.