Perkins Grant Supports Career and Technical Education at A-B Tech

Jacqueline Owens, Career Technical Education Completion Specialist at A-B Tech.  Photo: Urban News
Jacqueline Owens, Career Technical Education Completion Specialist at A-B Tech. Photo: Urban News

A-B Tech Community College was awarded a $289,779 grant for the academic year under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006.

This award continues to support students enrolled in the college’s Career Technical Education programs.

Funds will be used to serve all students in those programs who are working to earn a certificate, diploma or degree. “There is a big focus on getting folks back to work. We want to raise awareness of career and technical opportunities,” said Gene Loflin, Associate Vice President of Instructional Services.

A portion of the funds will support the position of Career Technical Education Completion Specialist, who will serve as an advisor to work with students by providing support and assisting them with completion. The college will also provide faculty development to keep instructors up-to-date on the latest technology.

Jacqueline Owens was hired in January to fill the position. Owens was previously the Assistant Director for Student Support Services at Western Carolina University. She has experience working at two- and four-year colleges and with student retention, especially in under-represented populations. She has a master’s degree in community college administration, and is currently earning her doctorate in education leadership with a focus on community college administration.

“I work closely with the Registrar’s office to help students finish their program and make sure they persist. If they earn a certificate, I would encourage them to earn a diploma and then an associate degree. A-B Tech has good plans and it’s exciting. I think I can really grow here,” Owens said.

Some of the Perkins funding will be used to buy or update equipment for the technical programs to make sure students are being trained on state-of-the-art equipment. Loflin says these programs typically have high equipment costs. “The equipment will keep the programs meeting the current needs of industry,” he said.

About A-B Tech Community College

One of 58 colleges in the North Carolina Community College System, A-B Tech offers associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in more 50 curriculum programs through its five academic divisions: Allied Health and Public Service Education, Arts and Sciences, Business and Hospitality Education, Emergency Services and Engineering and Applied Technology.

The Division of Economic and Workforce Development/Continuing Education offers opportunities for workforce partnerships, specific job training and retraining, as well as personal enrichment classes. A-B Tech enrolls more than 25,000 curriculum and continuing education students in programs at its Asheville, Enka, Madison, South, Woodfin and Goodwill locations.

For more information visit www.abtech.edu.