Success Stories

At a very young age, Vanessa knew she wanted to work in the medical field. Over time, the path became clear. Vanessa currently attends Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) pursuing a degree in Vascular.

Although her father once attended GNTC, known then as Coosa Valley Technical College, her decision to attend GNTC stemmed from her desire to complete her GED. Once there, supportive teachers in a nurturing environment encouraged her to continue a technical college education.

On the path toward completing the Vascular Degree program, Vanessa faced many challenges, particularly those brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. Her husband lost his employment. She was suddenly homeschooling their two children ages 10 and 6, one with Down syndrome, and she needed to pay for, prepare and pass the required Sonography Principles of Instruction (SPI) exam in order to complete her degree program.

With assistance from the Last Mile Fund, Vanessa was able to take the SPI exam and achieve her goal of obtaining a degree in Vascular Technology. Vanessa passed the exam in May and plans to pursue a career in ultrasound technology.

Tiawanna realized from a young age that she had a heart to care for people. Though her great aunt is a nurse, she will be the first in her immediate family to pursue an education in the medical field.

Tiawanna chose to pursue her technical education close to home at Central Georgia Technical. As an unemployed mother of three small children ages 1, 4 & 5, she found it challenging to secure the funding required to complete her Interdisciplinary Studies and take the Test of Essential Academics Skills (TEAS) necessary to be considered for acceptance into the nursing program.

As a first time Last Mile Fund recipient, she was able to satisfy the remaining balance of her summer semester and take the TEAS. She is now confidently awaiting the results of the test and looking forward to pursuing her goal of completing the two year nursing program and securing employment at the Navicent Health Center in Macon, GA.

I am incredibly grateful to the TCSG Foundation for believing in my educational journey and providing the scholarship support that has made the continuation of my doctoral studies possible. As a TCSG employee for over 13 years, and a State of Georgia employee for 20+ years, this investment in my education represents more than financial assistance—it’s a testament to the organization’s commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

Thanks to the Foundation’s generosity, I have been able to continue pursuit of my Doctor of Education degree in Leadership with a concentration in Instructional Design at Trident University while continuing to serve in my role as Grant Program Support Coordinator with TCSG’s Office of Adult Education. I am thrilled to share that I can now “see the light” at the end of the tunnel—I am completing my final core course and am moving into the dissertation phase with my Doctoral Study Project.

This degree will directly enhance my ability to serve TCSG’s mission through improved instructional leadership, training development, and evidence-based decision-making. The Foundation’s support has not only invested in my personal growth but in the future of technical education in Georgia and the students we serve.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this dream a reality. Your belief in TCSG employees like me creates a ripple effect that will benefit our students and communities for years to come.

With sincere gratitude,
Felicia Thomas Phelps, M.Ed.

I’m incredibly grateful to the TCSG Foundation for the support I received through the Last Mile Fund. The $500 scholarship came at a crucial time and helped remove a financial barrier during my final semester. Thanks to your generosity, I was able to focus on finishing strong—and I’m proud to say I’ve officially graduated with my Associate Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Since graduating in June, I’ve been accepted into the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, which begins this fall. This next step brings me even closer to my dream of becoming a nurse and making a meaningful impact in my community.

As this year’s Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) student of the year, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative access to education and support can be. Thank you for believing in students like me—and for making success possible, even in the final stretch.

With gratitude,
Zuri Todd
GOAL Student of the Year 2025

Thank You for your Support!

Thank you for choosing me as a recipient of the TCSG Gretchen K. Corbin Last Mile Fund Scholarship. I am appreciative beyond words for this financial assistance.

It is truly devasting experiencing being so close to seeing the finish line, but unable to complete in the final lap of the race. Thanks to you, this won’t be my story. Receiving this scholarship was a lifeline in helping me continue my race to graduate to earn an Associate of Nursing degree in May 2025.

Thank you again for your very important financial assistance.

Sincerely,
Victoria Whitehead