Four parents of Dougherty County School System students walked out of 4C Academy Tuesday evening with certifications as heavy machinery operators after graduating in the first cohort of the newest part of the district’s LEVEL UP program. 

The program, which fully funds the upskilling or re-skilling of parents of DCSS students thanks to a grant from Georgia Power, has had several cohorts of parents work through a Certified Nursing Assistant Program with Integrity Healthcare Group. This is the district’s first foray into a high-demand industry outside of healthcare. 

“When we envisioned this, the school system wanted to partner with families – whether you have a job, didn’t have a job or whether you want another credential to make yourself more marketable – we’re always trying to find a way to help you and our families be more successful and ‘Level UP’ their careers,” Superintendent Kenneth Dyer told the graduates.

  “I don’t think you’ll find many school systems that go this deep with family and community engagement. We are all about the kids, but you have to realize that when you create a better home environment, children can better focus on school,” he said.

To complete their certifications, the district allowed the parents to use state-of-the-art heavy machinery simulators that, during the day, are used by district students at 4C Academy who are working on their own certifications, but by night, are being used to help their family members “LEVEL UP.” The parents each had to complete a five-week certification course where they attended classes at night at 4C Academy.

In addition to the two certifications, the graduates Tuesday received a $150 voucher to help offset the cost of things like steel-toe boots and other items required for work in the construction industry. 

The LEVEL UP Program is a one that falls under the district’s fifth strategic priority – Family and Community Engagement. 

Families interested in participating in the LEVEL UP Program can email [email protected]