Sampson Community College has partnered with the Telamon Corporation and its Project IMPACT program to give young students of Sampson County a unique experience. Students will be on campus all summer learning about the various career paths the college offers.
Project IMPACT (Improving Achievement for Children in Tobacco) is an eight-week summer program for youth ages 10 to 17. The program features a full day of hands-on and project-based learning, creative arts and healthy living activities, leadership development, and career exploration in Sampson County. Monetary incentives for attendance, participation, and appropriate behavior are earned by participants.
“We are excited to be able to partner with Telamon and Project IMPACT,” says Jennifer Wiley, SCC’s Division Chair for Business and Occupational Technology. “This week, we are bringing the students in to teach them about welding but over the next few weeks they will visit with our EMS, Criminal Justice and other departments to learn. Maybe one day, they’ll be back at the college as a student.”
Telamon’s approach is to teach clients to access resources in their community and overcome barriers to employment. While not every experience leads to a better job, often the foundation is laid upon which clients can build a better future.
Glenn Parker, a science teacher at Hobbton High School and chaperone for project IMPACT agrees.
“This is designed for children of migrant workers that work in tobacco industry. We focus a lot on character traits, respect and responsibility.”
“This week we will show them what safety equipment is used in the welding industry, how to wear it and just understanding welding in general,” says Dale Godbold, lead welding instructor at SCC. “There are lots of opportunities in this area where people can get good jobs in welding. Hopefully, these kids will take away something that sparks an interest for later on in life.”