2018: TeamBuilders Academy Holds Spring 2018 Completion Ceremony

Article by: Tabresha B. Langham

For Immediate Release

LARGO, Md. (May 23, 2018) – There are many reasons a person may find it difficult to identify opportunities to learn, grow, and advance. Whether it be the loss of a job or simply not having the training required for a promotion, these situations are undesired and can leave people with no hope and no clear solution to a quality means of income.

The TeamBuilders Academy (TBA) at Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) is a program created for those students. Students, like Camille Dixon, who found herself unemployed after having to take off from her previous retail job to care for her mother.

The program provides unemployed or underemployed people with the opportunity to improve their employability through a 16-week course designed for accelerated adult career training in four tracks, including Administrative Services, Professional Development, Construction, and Information Technology, at no cost.

Ms. Dixon is just one of 20 students who received recognition for participation in the program at the TeamBuilders Academy Spring 2018 Completion Recognition Ceremony held Monday, May 14.

TeamBuilders Academy is a unique Workforce Development and Continuing Education program offered at the college and sponsored by Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation. In addition to career skills, students learn the value of compassion, self-confidence, and serving the community.

During the ceremony, alumni shared stories about their time and reflected on what it meant for them to be part of the program as they endeavored for more personal and professional success.

Denise Price Brown, a spring 2017 participant who found a job shortly after completing the program, said she enjoyed every day that she spent in the program. For her, it meant being in an environment where she could be challenged and empowered.  “To be excellent, I knew I was going to have to make some new habits,” she said. Now, she starts every morning saying something positive and she keeps that motivation throughout the day.

Steven Berry, a fall 2017 participant, echoed her sentiments. “The habit of saying something to yourself everyday – it’s important.” He continued with emphasis to the spring 2018 participants, “You have to take the jumpstart now to take your load where you want it to go.”

Prince George’s Community College Board of Trustee member Sam Parker also attended the ceremony and gave remarks to the spring 2018 participants. Mr. Parker has been instrumental in helping TBA, according to June Evans, director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Development and Training.

“I had the opportunity to work with this cohort and the staff on a one-on-one basis at Christmas In April,” he shared. TeamBuilders Academy joined Christmas In April to complete a service project for John and Barbara Clemons, a senior couple from Riverdale, Maryland, in late April. Mr. Parker continued, “I was more than proud to say I could be a part of what they have learned and what they are doing.”

Service projects are a big part of TBA. Each semester, the students participate in a project that allows them to give back to the Prince George’s County community. “We believe we work hard through compassion and commitment to build a community,” said John Deadwyler, program coordinator, TBA.

The group’s participation in the Christmas In April service project provided the Clemons family with basement renovations, home maintenance, and exterior cleaning, and beautification. The couple has lived in the home for more than 47 years and were grateful to have the help of the students and the other contractors who took part in the project.

Ms. Dixon was one of the current students who attended that service project, in addition to a few alumni, who come back to join the service project components each semester. “It feels great; it gives me a good sense of encouragement,” she said about giving back to the senior community in Prince George’s County.

While participating in the service project, Mr. Deadwyler commented on how the program creates a cycle of investments into the county. The county sponsors TBA so that residents facing hard times can have a sense of hope and worth when they need it most. In turn, the students in the program, give back to others in the county. TeamBuilders Academy is an example of what it means to pour into the community that pours into you.

The students who completed the spring 2018 TBA program ended their 16-week course on a very high note. The program was filled with opportunities to form bonds with other members of the community, peers, and staff who are all committed to their success. 

Mr. Parker said that had he been able to hire anyone from the cohort the day of the Christmas In April project, he would have. It is the hope that students who participate in the program will take that and other inspiring messages with them as they continue along their journey.

 

About Prince George’s Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2015-2020), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillsets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 40,000 individuals annually, the college is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enable PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. For more information, visit the college website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George’s Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org.The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.