AMERICUS, Ga. — South Georgia Technical College Crisp County welding students and instructor Thomas Mayo are putting their skills to work for a good cause by donating a custom-built portable grill to benefit the South Georgia Technical College Foundation.
The portable grill, complete with a charcoal cooking chamber and smoke box, was designed and fabricated by the students and is valued at approximately $2,000. It will be raffled as part of the SGTC Foundation's 2026 TechForce campaign to raise funds for student scholarships and other college initiatives.
The 2026 TechForce campaign, themed "Doers & Makers @ South Georgia Tech," will be held Sept. 14–25. Funds raised will support scholarships for academically deserving and financially disadvantaged students, provide textbooks at no cost to all students, purchase equipment for the Commercial Truck Driving program, and help fund renovations and updates to the James S. Peters Gymnasium. All donations will be matched dollar for dollar through local, state and federal grant programs.
Raffle tickets for the custom grill are $5 each or five for $20. The winning ticket will be drawn Thursday, Sept. 10, during the SGTC Foundation Employee Luncheon and Silent Auction. Winners do not have to be present to claim the prize. Tickets are available through the SGTC Foundation Office or from members of the college's internal TechForce Committee.
The project showcased both the students' welding abilities and their commitment to giving back. The grill was constructed using donated and recycled materials, including a propane tank donated by Ferrell Gas of Ellaville. Students also incorporated scrap metal into the trailer frame, while the diamond plate was repurposed from the SGTC cafeteria renovation project.
Students participating in the project included A. Jaylin Johnson, La'Darrius Lewis, Tucker Smith, Jeremiah Whitehead, Jorge Perez-Nunez, Andy Powers and Danny McNeely.
"This was a great way for the students to practice their welding skills while also giving back to the Foundation," said welding instructor Thomas Mayo. "They took a great deal of pride in this project, and now they're helping other students by donating the skills and labor they've developed in class. They truly represent what it means to be SGTC 'Doers & Makers.'"
The "Doers & Makers" campaign celebrates individuals who turn ideas into action by solving problems, creating opportunities and strengthening their communities. South Georgia Technical College believes these builders, innovators, skilled trades professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare workers, farmers, artists, engineers and volunteers are essential to the nation's future.
"Every generation has heard about 'Movers & Shakers,' but it's the 'Doers & Makers' who get the job done," college officials noted. "At South Georgia Technical College, students gain hands-on training for high-demand careers that lead to real opportunities in less time and with little or no student debt."
For nearly 80 years, South Georgia Technical College has prepared generations of skilled professionals to meet workforce needs across the region. Through the TechForce campaign, the SGTC Foundation hopes to continue expanding educational opportunities for future generations of "Doers & Makers."
Individuals interested in supporting the campaign may contact the SGTC Foundation Office at 229-931-2248 or SGTC Foundation Executive Director Su Ann Bird at sbird@southgatech.edu.
Prospective students interested in becoming part of South Georgia Technical College's "Doers & Makers" community are encouraged to apply for the fall semester. Registration will be held Thursday, Aug. 13, with classes beginning Aug. 17. Applications are still being accepted online at www.southgatech.edu by selecting "Apply Now." Financial aid is available for qualified students.