Ashley Rodgers
Name: Ashley Rodgers
High School: Macon County High School
College (Current or Future): South Georgia Technical College; 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."
