Community donations to launch Albany Tech’s Veterans Education Career Transition Resource (VECTR) Center (Phase I)
ALBANY, Ga. – Event: Community donations to launch Albany Technical College’s VECTR Center (Phase I)
When: 9:00 a.m. Tuesday 11/04/25
Where: Logistics Education Center (LEC) Board Room, Albany Technical College
Visuals: Check presentations. Partners and local funders on site.
What: Albany Technical College (ATC) will announce local philanthropic and community partner donations to the Albany Tech Foundation in support of ATC’s Veterans Education Career Transition Resource (VECTR) Center. The VECTR Center will serve military-affiliated students and families through a one-stop model that connects housing, healthcare, financial aid, education pathways, SkillBridge training, and career placement.
Who:
- Dr. Emmett L. Griswold, President, Albany Technical College
- Joey Magaddino, President, Board of Trustees
- Michelle Williams, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and Foundation
- Community partners and local funders
Funding to be announced for the VECTR Center:
-
Georgia Power, $25,000
-
Albany Tech Foundation, $25,000
-
People South Bank, $5,000
-
City of Albany, SPLOST allocation, $250,000
-
Dougherty County Commission, SPLOST allocation, $350,000
Source: Albany Technical College (ATC)
Source: Albany Technical College (ATC)
Albany, Georgia – Albany Technical College (ATC) announced local philanthropic and community partner donations to the Albany Tech Foundation to establish the Veterans Education Career Transition Resource (VECTR) Center on ATC’s campus. The announcement took place at 9:00 a.m. in the Logistics Education Center (LEC) Board Room with college leadership, partners, and donors in attendance.
Phase I: VECTR Center (locally funded through community partners)
ATC’s VECTR Center will operate as a comprehensive, one-stop regional hub supporting veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Services will include help with VA education benefits, connections to housing and healthcare, financial and legal resources, academic advising, career counseling, testing, employer linkages, and Department of Defense SkillBridge training opportunities in high-demand fields.
Dr. Emmett L. Griswold, President, Albany Technical College:
“Southwest Georgia’s veterans, service members, and military families bring talent, discipline, and leadership to our region. The VECTR Center allows for their transition and is supported at every step, from benefits and advising to hands-on training that leads directly to high-wage, high-demand careers. We are grateful for our local partners whose generosity will draw us closer to making Phase I possible in 2026.”Joey Magaddino, Foundation Chairperson:
“Today’s gifts demonstrate a shared commitment to those who have served. By investing locally in Phase I, our community is opening doors to education, credentials, and family-sustaining jobs for military-affiliated students. The Foundation is honored to steward these investments to deliver immediate impact.”
Phase II: Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement/VECTR Center (state-funded)
ATC also previewed Phase II, a state-funded Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement and VECTR Center to be developed at the former RYDC building on Newton Road. This project will expand hands-on training capacity in public safety disciplines and serve as a regional hub for scenario-based learning tied to workforce and community safety needs while expanding support services for the military-veteran and active-duty populations within Southwest Georgia. Albany Technical College has listed the Phase II project as its number one Capital Outlay proposal for FY 2027 and we will attempt to fund Phase I through a mixture of local community partners and allocated SPLOST funds.
The VECTR model simplifies access to education and careers for military-affiliated soldiers and families. It improves placement outcomes for employers and supports regional economic development.
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