Tamekia Springs doesn’t have her GED certificate, but she wants to be a medical assistant.
“I want to go to college and work with a doctor,” said the 22-year-old mother of three.
Springs was among thousands of Chattanooga Housing Authority residents invited to the authority’s college fair Thursday. However, within the first 90 minutes of the four-hour event, only about a dozen people came, and most of them didn’t live in public housing.
CHA officials said they hosted the event because they believe that education is essential to getting out of poverty.
“A lot of companies are requiring education, and higher education is key to success,” said Carol Johnson, CHA’s director of resident services.
The college fair is intended to provide residents with information about local educational opportunities, Johnson said.
Signs stating “This way to higher learning,” “Onward to further your education,” and “Walk this way to a brighter future,” lined the housing authority’s mint green walls directing visitors to the college fair.
Inside the fair, more than a dozen tables spread with cloths bearing school names and colors filled the room, and CHA officials supplied refreshments.
Cleveland State Community College, Chattanooga State Community College, Miller Motte Technical College and Virginia College were among the schools represented.
Vincent Phipps recruited students for Bethel University.
“If you’re busy and if you’re broke, come to Bethel,” said Phipps, in making his pitch to Chattanooga resident Tiffiny Shelton. “Our program is designed for working adults who want to earn a degree. We make sure you get the tassel with less hassle.”
Teaching goal
Shelton is a 30-year-old mother of three who dropped out of college after she started having children. She said she wants to enroll again to provide a better life for her family. Her goal is to teach elementary school.
“It’s in my heart,” she said. “I know I would be good.”
Brandon White, an 18-year-old honor roll student at East Ridge High School, said he’s going to be a pediatrician.
And D’Angelo Middlebrooks, a 17-year-old junior at Howard School of Academics and Technology, said his first plan is to join the Navy, but he was at the college fair because he’s going to college if the military doesn’t work out.
“It’s plan B,” Middlebrooks said. “You have to do something with your life.”