Ashley Rodgers

Name: Ashley Rodgers

High School: Macon County High School

College (Current or Future): South Georgia Technical College (Graduate Spring 2016); Middle Georgia State University

Major/Intended Major: Business - Marketing Management

Financial Aid Program: Zell Miller Grant

Knowing she had to pay her own way through college, Ms. Rodgers researched scholarships before the financial aid office at South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) informed her of the Zell Miller Grant.

"It really helped relieve a huge burden for both me and my family," Rodgers said. "I was able to graduate debt-free (and) focus more on my education."

That focus was acknowledged by her SGTC professors and rewarded with Ashley's nomination for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) program.

GOAL focuses on excellence in technical education at Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) institutions. After a lengthy process involving multiple interviews and selection committee reviews, Rodgers was named the state GOAL winner.

"I want to inspire others to continue to work hard and never stop reaching for their dreams," said Rodgers, who was awarded a new automobile and will serve as an ambassador for technical education in Georgia.

Her goal is to obtain a job with the TCSG Marketing Department and advise current and future students on how to stay focused. "It is so easy to lose sight of your goals when you step out into the world," Rodgers said, "but your degree is what paves the way to success."