Groundbreaking at Southeastern Technical College

May 18, 2010 - The groundbreaking for the SoutheasternEarlyCollege and Career Academy (SECCA) took place May 18 on the campus of the SoutheasternTechnicalCollege campus in Vidalia. 

The school's chief executive officer, Barbara Christmas, said the school is a model because it is a partnership between the Vidalia, Toombs, Montgomery and Treutlen school systems and Southeastern Tech.

"Partnering school systems along with STC are to be commended for their bold vision to establish the state's very first career academy.  The benefits to the communities represented here will be immeasurable as we prepare tomorrow's workforce for this entire region," she noted.

"This is a good day for the kids in this area.  When 30 to 40 percent of our kids don't find school relevant anymore and they're looking for a place to go and often they just quit, this is the place to go.  If we can get them over here, we can give them a future," State Sen. Tommie Williams said during the event.

Christmas said a wide array of courses will be offered to high school students.  "In this state of the art facility, we will offer such programs as automotive, cosmetology, health sciences, construction, welding and technology.  Your communities as well as STC will truly be in the spotlight as this exciting initiative provides a model for the rest of the state," she said during the event.

The $7.5 million project is 35,000 square feet and will include five learning labs, an automotive technology lab and administrative space. It is slated to open next spring.

Quick Facts

• Design Professional: McLees, Boggs and Selby Architects
• General Contractor: Choate Construction Company
• GSFIC Project Manager: Megan Beasinger
• GSFIC Contract Compliance Specialist: Donnie Williams

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