Dual Enrollment Students and Their 'Businesses' Honored with Reception

February 29, 2008 - High school students enrolled in classes at Columbus Technical College were the belles of the ball at a reception in their honor on Friday, February 29, 2008. The 29 students, representing nine area high schools, comprise the first group of students to enroll in a new program through the College's Economic Development Department called the "Financial Services Professional Program" or FSP. By enrolling while in high school, these students are earning college credit as well as certification from the program. This program teaches students the basic fundamentals of customer service, communication skills, managing customer conflict situations, learning the ins and outs of a financial service organization and more.

As part of their class requirements, students formed five teams and incorporated themselves into mock businesses. Among other tasks, they had to choose a name for their business, design a logo and market their company. The class voted on the "Best Company to Work For" based on the entries. Winners received several prizes but, most importantly, resume’ fodder and bragging rights!

The Grand Prize went to team "Quality Assurance" for their research and presentation on the company Wachovia. Members of team "Quality Assurance" were:

Renae Hawkins
Ashley Moore
Jessica King
Jasmine Coverson
Brittany Jackson
Aaron Gray

Honorable Mention went to the team "DASTL" for their work and presentation on the company TSYS. Team DASTL shared their presentation as a sample of the work done by the students. Members of team "DASTL" were:

Secoya Daniel
Ashleigh Smith
Dexter Burden
Lanishia Rankin
Tishanna Tate

Program attendees enjoyed an opening reception with refreshments, a brief overview of the FSP program, a sample presentation by the DASTL team, and the announcement of the winning teams. Ms. Gail Dunn, Vice President and Relationship Manager for Wachovia at Work, made a surprise visit to congratulate the winning team members.

Ms. Gail Dunn, Wachovia at Work Vice President and Relationship Manager (second from left), along with students of the winning team "Quality Assurance."

If you would like more information about the Financial Services Professional Program, please contact Rebecca Gonzalez, Instructor at (706) 464-0096 or email rgonzalez@columbustech.edu.