Community and business leaders from across Bartow County gathered Thursday morning at the Bartow County College and Career Academy for the Fuel The Flight Breakfast, hosted by the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation. Sponsored by Taylor Transport, Inc., the event highlighted the college’s expanding impact in the region and encouraged philanthropic support for the Foundation’s mission to advance student success.
Chattahoochee Technical College maintains a strong and growing presence in Bartow County. The college operates one of its nine campuses—the North Metro Campus—in Acworth. This campus offers a wide range of high‑demand programs, including Automotive Technology, Environmental Sciences, Cosmetology, Horticulture, Precision Machining and Manufacturing, and several Health Sciences pathways.
In addition, Chattahoochee Tech partners with the Bartow County College and Career Academy to provide dual‑enrollment opportunities, technical training, and hands‑on workforce preparation for high school students. These efforts reflect the college’s long‑standing commitment to strengthening the region’s talent pipeline.
Advancing the College’s Mission
Heather Pence, President of Chattahoochee Technical College, emphasized the college’s dedication to serving Bartow County through accessible, contemporary education.
“At Chattahoochee Tech, our mission is to transform the lives of individuals and strengthen the workforce in the communities we serve through contemporary education,” said Pence. “Our North Metro Campus and our work at the College and Career Academy demonstrate our deep commitment to Bartow County and to preparing students for meaningful careers.”
The Foundation’s Role in Student Success
Jennifer Nelson, Vice President of Advancement, highlighted the essential role of the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation in supporting students through scholarships, emergency assistance, and program enhancements.
“The Foundation exists to remove barriers and open doors for students who are working hard to build better futures,” said Nelson. “Every contribution directly impacts a student’s ability to stay in school, complete their program, and enter the workforce prepared for success.”
A Donor’s Perspective
Rodney Grizzle — a lifelong resident of Bartow County and a dedicated member of the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation Board of Trustees — shared why supporting the Foundation is so meaningful to him.
“Bartow County has been my home my entire life, and I’ve seen firsthand how education can change the trajectory of a person’s future,” said Grizzle. “I give because I want to help those who are working toward a better life. When we support students at Chatt Tech, we’re not just helping one individual — we’re strengthening families, building our workforce, and investing in the long‑term health of our community.”
Announcement of the Dorothy “Ms. Dot” Frasier Scholarship
During the breakfast, the Foundation announced the creation of the Dorothy “Ms. Dot” Frasier Scholarship, honoring a woman whose seven decades of service have shaped generations of Bartow County students. As described in the scholarship announcement, Ms. Dot has been “a steady source of encouragement for countless young people” and her influence is “woven into the fabric of Bartow County.”
The Foundation is working to establish the scholarship as an endowed fund, ensuring that Ms. Dot’s legacy of educational advocacy continues “every single year, forever.” A minimum of $25,000 is required to endow the scholarship, and contributions are already underway.
The scholarship will support Bartow County residents who are currently enrolled or plan to attend Chattahoochee Technical College for their continuing education.
Invitation to Give
Attendees were encouraged to join in honoring Ms. Dot’s extraordinary legacy by contributing to the endowed scholarship fund. As the scholarship information notes, “Your gift is more than a donation. It is a tribute… a continuation of the work to which Ms. Dot has devoted her life.”
All members of Bartow County and beyond are invited to contribute to this effort in honor of Ms. Dot’s dedication and service to students. Donations may be made through the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation’s scholarship page.
The Chattahoochee Tech Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the mission of Chattahoochee Technical College by making higher education an affordable reality for students through initiatives like scholarships, emergency funding and program support. The Foundation’s Board of Trustees has been consistently recognized as a Role Model Board by the Technical College Foundation Association.