Demand for positions in the fast-growing cybersecurity industry is higher than the current training system produces. Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) is addressing that issue with its new cybersecurity certificate.
This 16-credit hour curriculum is perfect for students or working professionals. The courses are offered online. GGC’s smaller class sizes allow students a better opportunity to learn and ask questions of their instructors. The program can run concurrent with a student’s selected major or as a standalone, affordable option for people interested in getting into cybersecurity.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) identifies information security analysts as one of the best options for people looking to enter the field. It pays well, offering a median salary of $103,590, and is experiencing a steep upward trend in job openings. The BLS job outlook predicts a 33 percent rise in this field from 2020-2030, much higher than the national average for all jobs.
Along with information security analysts, GGC’s cybersecurity certificate well prepares graduates for similar occupations, such as cybersecurity consultants, managers and specialists, as well as security engineering in network analysts.
Dr. Chavonda Mills, dean of GGC’s School of Science and Technology says: “Cybersecurity is one of the hottest employment options for students looking to secure a stable living. GGC’s flexibility and accredited college coursework offers a unique take on training, and when a student finishes their course, they’ll have a solid foundation to be successful in the field.”
- To learn more about this program, click here: GGC’s cybersecurity certificate.
Handmade paper exhibit at Hudgens through April 16
An extensive exhibit of the works of Mina Duffie will be on display at the Hudgens Center for the Arts through April 16. Mina Duffie specializes in Hanji, the art of miniature paper creations. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Mina relished experimenting with different creative styles from a young age. However, it wasn’t until she discovered Hanji, traditional handmade paper sourced from the Mulberry tree, that she began using it as her main medium. Since then, Duffie has been bringing to life quintessential scenes drawn from her travels and experiences from across the world. Currently based in Alabama, Mina has participated in numerous exhibitions where she has gained notoriety for her unique style.
Older homeowners have April 1 deadline to reduce taxes
Older Gwinnett County homeowners may apply online by April 1 for a homestead exemption to reduce their tax bills for this year and for the future.
Gwinnett County seniors who are 65 and older with a Georgia Net Taxable Income of $105,280 or less may qualify for a Senior Exemption that eliminates school taxes on the primary residence and up to one acre of property. Seniors who are not required to file taxes may provide other proof of income to qualify.
Homeowners with approved exemptions do not need to reapply. To verify an exemption is in place or receive assistance with exemptions, contact the Tax Commissioner’s Customer Contact Center 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays by phone at (770) 822-8800, via email to Tax@GwinnettCounty.com or chat with us on any Internet-connected device from GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com.
“An exemption is the best way for qualifying residents to reduce their property taxes,” Tax Commissioner Tiffany Porter says.
Schools in Walton EMC area get empowerment grants
For six years, Walton Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) has made a significant impact on the students in its local service area by the use of unclaimed money.
Walton’s School EmPOWERment Grant program gives schools in nearby communities the chance to boost their instructional and service programs by funding worthwhile projects. Many of the projects are those that local systems don’t have funds for in regular operating budgets.
The money that Walton EMC distributes – over $2 million since the program began just six short years ago – doesn’t affect customer-owners’ power bills, either. That’s because the funds are unclaimed monies from former customers whom the co-op can’t find.
After Walton EMC publishes lists of these customers in their newsletter and on their website, places legal ads and exhausts all attempts to find the owners, Georgia law allows the money to be used for community benefit.
This year the funds total $368,212, with $135,195 being distributed in Gwinnett County.
The schools getting the funds in Gwinnett and their projects include:
- Anderson-Livesay Elementary – $7,604, Lorna Baldwin, LEGOs in a STEM World;
- Annistown Elementary – $2,460, LaToya Burse, Lettuce Grow Our Garden;
- Britt Elementary – $5,490, Nancy Falocco, STEM Explosion;
- Centerville Elementary – $6,075, Bonita Banks, Book Vending Machine;
- Cooper Elementary – $3,449, George Kashella, The Reading Connection;
- Five Forks Middle – $4,100, Andrew Whatley, Google Chromebooks;
- Grace Snell Middle – $5,000, Kimberly Arenas, Cooking Club;
- Grayson Elementary – $2,500, Heather Abner, Vending Machine Books
- Grayson High – $3,000, Elaine Orange, Graphing Calculators;
- Gwin Oaks Elementary – $2,915, Jan Bradley, Michelle Webb, Lighting Up STEM Specials;;
- Harbins Elementary – $8,500, Amanda Fletcher, Accelerated Reading Achievement
- J.C. Magill Elementary – $7,707, Betsy Mitchell, The Sensory Processing Area Project;
- Mountain Park Elementary – $500, Katie Bevins, Books for First Grade;
- Partee Elementary – $10,535, Chad Hett, Explore, Build and Discover;
- Pharr Elementary – $4,745, Sarah Powell, Pretending Machine;
- R.D. Head Elementary – $5,000, Shann Griffith, Bringing Them Up to Par;
- Rosebud Elementary – $2,620, Deborah Roundtree, Rosebudding Into Gardening;
- Shiloh Elementary – $5,000, Heidi Glenn, Makerspace Centers;
- Shiloh High – $7,000, Dr. Johnathan Gordon, Empowering Forensic Science;
- Shiloh Middle – $5,381, Charlene Fletcher, Lift Us Up!;
- South Gwinnett High – $21,583, Kennard Weever, College and Career Center Technology;
- Starling Elementary – $5,000, Ikwo Poindexter, Engaging Texts for Engaged Readers;
- Trickum Middle – $6,000, Dr. Jessica Hegwood, Middle School Mentor Texts; and
- Trip Elementary – $3,031, Debbie Patrick, To Infinity and Beyond.
Duluth honors former councilman with proclamation
The City of Duluth recognized its late councilman by marking February 14, 2022 as Kelvin “Kelly” Kelkenberg Day in the cIty. Mayor Nancy Harris stands next to Kimberly Kelkenbers with the proclamation. The other two in the photo are Council Members Marline Thomas and Greg Whitlock. Council Member Kelkenberg died after having served 10 years on City Council when he passed away following a three-year battle with cancer in August of 2021. He was a passionate supporter of all things Duluth and was part of a team that saw the development of Parsons Alley and city-wide growth. His legacy will continue to impact Duluth for generations to come.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
Follow Us