Four years after he saw his high school career end as a freshman, LaFayette’s Lamar Gamble has turned his rocky road into a new highway towards a career.
Just six months after enrolling in Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Youth Success Academy, Mr. Gamble has earned his GED, his Commercial Truck Driving certification, and a brand new career with U.S. Xpress. The entire six-month process from GED to college certificate to a career was completely paid for by the Y.S.A.
“I would stay up all night doing homework that I didn’t have to do,” said Mr.
Gamble. “I did it because I knew, in the long run, that putting forth that extra effort would get me closer to my goals.”
Mr. Gamble, who left his Northwest Georgia high school in 2011, returned to complete his education, as well as further it, in April of this year. He would then complete his GED testing just one month later, all paid for by the Y.S.A.. Then, thanks in part to the Academy’s Individual Training Account program, Mr. Gamble enrolled in the college’s Commercial Truck Driving program with his tuition, costs, books, and supplies completely paid for.
“We look at the situation of each student and see how we can make resources available to help them be successful,” said Georgia Northwestern Technical College Youth Success Academy Specialist Tammy Pence. “Being there to help them overcome any struggles so they can set and reach goals is what we hope to accomplish.”
The Youth Success Academy site at GNTC’s Walker County Campus first opened 10 years ago. Funding for the program is made possible by the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission in Rome, Ga.
For more information on the Youth Success Academy, GED testing, or enrolling at GNTC, call 706-764-3783.