Connections Graduate Program (CGP)

eCore is a collaborative program of the University System of Georgia (USG), in which affiliate institutions collaborate to offer general education courses to students in an online setting. CGP graduates enrolled in eCore are taught by highly qualified instructors who are employed at SACSCOC accredited colleges and universities in USG. Course credits earned through eCore are awarded by the affiliate home institution, and are transferable within the USG as well as to other regionally accredited institutions.  

GeorgiaBest stands for Business Employability Skills Training and is offered through the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL).  The lesson plans have been developed to teach top soft skills (punctuality, teamwork, communication, attitude, and more) required to be successful in the workforce.  Graduates are presented certificates to serve as an advantage on their resumes, college applications, and in job interviews.  Georgia businesses recognize the importance of GeorgiaBEST and understand that GeorgiaBEST participants have gone above and beyond to prepare themselves for the workplace.  

In 2003, CareerSafe was founded under the core belief that no job is worth a young worker’s life. Dr. Larry Teverbaugh, set out to address the safety training gap for young workers with the ultimate goal of making jobs safer for workers to expand including the whole worker. From safety and health training to employability skills, work-based learning and security awareness, CareerSafe is focused on providing the foundational skills workers need to launch successful careers. Graduates will have the opportunity to earn their OSHA-10 Hour Certification in high demand industry fields as well as OSHA-30 Hour in Construction.

CGP has collaborated with library systems of Georgia to offer graduates library cards affording them online opportunities to check out library books, audio books, music, and gain access to resources that overall improve their quality of life.  Various libraries within the state are providing information and encouraging reading, literacy, and continued education through equal access to information for all Georgians.  Youth returning to their communities will be able to use library cards to obtain college and career information, resources to assist in their reentry, and support for their personal growth and development.  

DJJ Connections Graduate Program has been given access to use TCSG's Work Ethic plan with graduates.  Work Ethic refers to the basic academic, interpersonal, critical thinking skills, and work ethics behavior that, when transferred to the occupational settings, facilitate job acquisition, retention, and advancement.  The 10 Work Ethic traits and definitions addresses in TCSG colleges are as follows: Appearance, Attendance, Attitude, Character, Communication, Cooperation, Organizational Skills, Productivity, Respect, and Teamwork.  Graduates completing Work Ethics will receive a certificate of completion.

ServSafe is a food and beverage safety training and certificate program administered by the National Restaurant Association. The program is accredited by ANSI and the Conference for Food Protection. Sanitation certification is required by most restaurants as a basic credential for their management staff. Graduates will have a chance to obtain a ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certifications.  The certificate expires five years of the date the certificate was awarded.  

The Orange Duffle Bag Initiative (ODBI) initiative is to create community partnerships and achieve collective impact for positive systemic change and measurable results, and to serve and support students in need, helping them stay on track to achieve and succeed. Working in concert with mission-aligned organizations through a collaboration for collective impact model, ODBI offers at-risk students enrichment activities, trauma-informed non-directive counseling, and comprehensive programs that encourage and guide students via coaching and goals setting to create a plan for their education and future success.

ODBI coaching programs and ongoing advocacy support social and emotional learning by coaching students to develop a comprehensive plan for their life and education success. “Team Orange” culture is to improve the wellbeing of program graduates by empowering students to establish and maintain healthy relationships and community connections in support of their vision for their best life.