Three high school students who committed to pursuing a technical education during a signing event at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) also received a scholarship to help advance their career.
Emilee Sears, National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) customer success coordinator, presented Mackenzie Jadyn Brooks, Logan Gene Knight and Mirissa Snoddy with a 2026 Skilled Trades–3M Transformational Scholarship for $1,000. The scholarship reflects 3M’s investment in the skilled trades and technical education.
The three Floyd County students received the scholarships during National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Letter of Intent Signing Day, which was held on Thursday, April 30, at the Conference Center on GNTC’s Gordon County Campus in Calhoun. This year marks GNTC’s third time participating in the national signing event.
“This day is dedicated to recognizing student achievement, career commitment and the incredible opportunities that exist in technical education and skilled careers,” said Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president. “GNTC is proud to partner with the National Coalition of Certification Centers in highlighting the value and importance of career and technical education.”
During National Signing Day events, 86 participating NC3 Leadership Schools across the nation hosted high school students, parents, educators, industry partners and potential employers to watch students sign their letters of commitment to pursue a technical education at the college of their choice after they finish high school. GNTC also live-streamed the event.
“Today is more than just a ceremony; it’s a milestone,” said Dr. Elizabeth Anderson, executive vice president and chief academic officer of GNTC. “It represents commitment, opportunity and the beginning of a journey that will shape not only the futures of our students, but also the strength of our workforce and our communities.”
Over the last 13 years, more than 40,000 students across America have signed during Signing Day observations.
“At its core, NC3 exists to bridge the gap between what students learn in the classroom and what employers actually need on the job,” Sears explained. “We do that by partnering with schools and leading global companies to deliver industry-recognized credentials, hands-on training and modern learning environments.”
NC3’s mission is to train and educate future skilled workers for productive careers. NC3 certifications can be used across various CTE program areas including aviation, construction science and energy efficiency, digital literacy, health and safety, horticulture, manufacturing, transportation and welding. NC3 certifications also include STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs.
“NC3 trains instructors so that they can effectively train the students and give them the certifications that are much needed in the skilled workforce to help companies operate and grow,” said Jon Byrd, executive director of Aviation at GNTC and Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) state aviation advisor.
All certifications are industry-led, Byrd said. The curriculum is constantly refreshed and evolving with technology and time.
Certiport, Copeland, Daniels Manufacturing Corporation, Festo, Greenlee, Kubota Tractor Corp., Lincoln Electric, RIDGID, Snap-on Inc., Starrett Co., Swift, 3M, Test Products International Inc. (TPI), Thermo King, Tormach and Trane are industry partners partnering with NC3.
NC3’s industry members include Astec Industries, Collins Aerospace, Kia Georgia, New York City Transit, Southeast Toyota Distributors and Tyson Foods.
The organization also partners with the American Association of Community Colleges; Association for Career and Technical Education; Aspen Institute; American Technical Education Association; ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Education Foundation; Federal Aviation Administration; Manufacturing Skill Standards Council; National Association of Manufacturing; National Association of Workforce Boards; National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers; National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE); National Rural Education Association; Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation; SkillsUSA; SME Education Foundation; TechForce Foundation and the United States FabLab Network.
NC3 says it has supported 430,000 students who have earned more than 1 million certifications.
Listed below are the eight signees including the students’ names, high schools and intended programs of study:
Criminal Justice Technology
Madison Green, Mountain Education Chattooga campus
Cybersecurity
Joshua Gordon, Rome High School
Logan Gene Knight, Model High School
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Briana Selene Esquivel Avila, Calhoun High School
Drafting Technology
Robert Riley Thomas Lindemann, Model High School
Echocardiography
Mirissa Snoddy, Model High School
Radiologic Technology
Mackenzie Jadyn Brooks, Model High School
Kacie Carter, Pepperell High School
In fall 2023, GNTC became the first NC3 Leadership School in the State of Georgia.
Byrd said six GNTC faculty members are eligible to offer certification training to students and instructors, and the college has issued approximately 2,300 NC3 certifications since 2019. Byrd and Zac Fager, program director and instructor of Aviation Maintenance Technology at GNTC, are NC3 Master Instructors.
About GNTC
Georgia Northwestern Technical College delivers high-quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students can pursue associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in a wide range of career pathways, including aviation, business, health, industrial and public service. Over the past year, 14,082 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. The college has an annual credit enrollment of 9,342 students and achieved a 100 percent placement rate. An additional 4,740 individuals are served through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start® programs. For more information about GNTC, visit us at www.GNTC.edu.
About 3M
As a global company, 3M is committed to supporting education and workforce readiness through meaningful investment in STEM and Skilled Trades learning. Each year 3M celebrates its skilled‑trades investments across local communities, supporting hundreds of students pursuing skilled‑trade career pathways. Looking ahead, 3M plans to deepen community partnerships, expand hands‑on learning opportunities, and further strengthen pathways that help students prepare for high‑demand skilled‑trade careers.
About NC3
NC3 was established to help build a workforce prepared to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s industries by connecting employers and educational institutions in synergistic partnerships that foster effective training, elevation of skilled careers, and employment opportunities. In fulfilling its mission, NC3 builds deep industry-educational partnerships and develops, implements and sustains industry-recognized portable certifications and digital badges built on national skills standards. We envision an industrial labor market where all workers have jobs they need to thrive and all companies have well-trained employees they need to operate and grow.
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