West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) proudly celebrated a milestone by hosting a signing day event for its newest Microsoft Scholars students. Oritheon Hamilton, Jordan Norbraten, Nitacha Smith, Shaun Kallner, Aiden Hubbard, Cameron Newsome, and Antonio Richards were awarded full scholarships through the Microsoft Scholars Program. This prestigious opportunity was made possible through WGTC’s relationship with Microsoft and the establishment of the Microsoft Datacenter Academy at the College’s Douglas campus.
WGTC computer information systems technology student Aiden Hubbard reflected on the impact of the program, saying, “Through this program, I’ve met people who’ve given me real advice about careers, resumes, and what it actually takes to step into this field… I can honestly say I wouldn’t be on this path without this opportunity and the people behind it.”
The Microsoft Scholars Program is designed to provide financial support and recognition to students pursuing careers in cloud computing, networking, and information technology. Each scholarship covers 100% of tuition, fees, and testing costs, removing financial barriers and allowing recipients to fully immerse themselves in their education.
“Last year we launched our first Microsoft Scholars cohort, and it’s been exciting to continue that opportunity with this second group of students,” said Dr. Julie Post, President of West Georgia Technical College. “Through our relationship with Microsoft, we are providing hands-on training that prepares students for in-demand technology careers. We also look forward to the opening of the Microsoft Datacenter Academy lab, which will further expand those opportunities for our region.”
The new Microsoft Datacenter Academy, opening this summer, will provide students with a curriculum focused on industry-recognized CompTIA certifications, including A+, Server+, and Network+, all aimed at fostering key skills in cloud computing, networking, and data management. This hands-on training will enable students to meet the rising demands of IT roles in various industries, contributing to a highly skilled workforce prepared to excel in the digital economy. Scholarship recipients will benefit not only from financial support but also from access to these advanced learning opportunities, setting them apart in a competitive job market.
“The infrastructure powering AI and the digital economy depends on a skilled, prepared workforce, and that preparation has to start at the community level,” said Jon McKenley, Microsoft Community Affairs Manager. “Through our relationship with West Georgia Technical College, Microsoft is helping create real pathways for students to access opportunity, build confidence, and step into high demand technology careers. These scholarships are about more than financial support. They represent exposure, access, and a belief in the potential of these students and this region. We’re proud to continue investing in talent development that ensures more communities can participate in and benefit from the future being built around them.”
For more information about the Microsoft Datacenter Academy, please contact Tara Shackleford at [email protected].
West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers more than 120 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is one of the largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges. For more information, please visitwww.westgatech.edu.
