MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) has been awarded a $3.66 million federal grant to bolster its nursing program and address critical healthcare shortages in the region.
The four-year grant, provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration, will focus on expanding CGTC's nursing workforce, particularly in rural and underserved areas of Central Georgia.
"Our training will be focused or the funds will be used for the training of not only our students but also our faculty and staff," said Jessica Willcox, Director of Nursing at CGTC.
The college plans to allocate the funds toward supporting faculty, enhancing simulation labs, and providing additional resources for students. The grant will be distributed over four years, with $915,000 available in the first year, effective now.
CGTC operates three campuses offering nursing classes, and officials hope the grant will help alleviate space constraints and improve facilities. Ethan West, a nursing student at CGTC, highlighted the potential impact of the grant on students' education.
"I feel like with the grant, that it will help us get to where we have our own supplies here and we're not having to borrow from Warner Robins campus," West said. “In the beginning when I started, there was a lot of that, just because of the circumstances.”
The expansion comes at a crucial time for the region, which faces significant healthcare challenges. West noted that the area struggles with high rates of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
CGTC aims to increase enrollment and produce more qualified nurses to address these healthcare needs. Willcox expressed hope that the grant will make a difference in their lives while they're here at the college but also recognizes the impact on their future.
"It's been crazy with nursing school. It has been in all honesty. It's not easy. It's not for everyone," West admitted, noting the rigors of the program. “But this type of thing might make it easy.”
Despite the challenges, students and faculty alike are optimistic about the opportunities this grant will provide.
"I appreciate the people who gave us the grant. I really do," West said.