A select group of 19 high school students and graduates received honors for participation in Fort Valley State University’s TEAM Success Program during closing ceremonies on July 12. TEAM is an acronym for Teaching, Enlightening, Achieving and Mentoring.
From 10 a.m.-2p.m., more than 80 people including Extension agents, program assistants and parents listened to intern’s presentations telling of their experiences while participating in the six- week program sponsored by FVSU’s Cooperative Extension Program.
From June 4 to July 13, the interns shadowed 19 Extension agents, program assistants and specialists in the 30 Georgia counties served by FVSU Extension. They assisted extension personnel in activities and projects in areas such as horticulture, food and nutrition, farm management and financial planning.
In addition to gaining valuable job skills, the interns also earned $2,100.
“The TEAM Success program engages our high school juniors and seniors in positive work experiences in agriculture, family and consumer sciences, and 4-H while learning about Fort Valley State University’s degree programs,” said Kena Torbert, family life specialist and coordinator of the TEAM success program. “The work experiences help the youth to understand their strength and weaknesses, nurture their verbal and written communication techniques and sample a non-traditional work choice.”
To be selected for TEAM Success, students must be entering the 11th or-12th grade, be a high school graduating senior and live in one of the counties where an FVSU Cooperative Extension Program county agent or program assistant provides services or is based. They must also have a grade point average of 2.4, complete an application, write an essay and acquire three letters of recommendation.
For more information about the TEAM Success Program, contact Kena Torbert at (478) 825-6573, or e-mail at torbertk@fvsu.edu.