February 12, 2024

Forsyth Technical Community College (Forsyth Tech) is proud to announce the receipt of generous funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation. This funding will be directed towards the conversion of two traditional classrooms into state-of-the-art emergency service simulation labs. These new facilities are set to significantly expand the college’s emergency medical services programs, addressing the critical demand for highly skilled paramedics and EMTs across healthcare settings.

“The Golden LEAF Foundation is proud to support Forsyth Technical Community College’s strategy to provide training for the workforce that will fill high demand healthcare positions in the region,” said Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer, Scott T. Hamilton. “The simulation labs will help the college expand its number of students served and provide realistic clinical experiences.”

The funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation will provide essential resources for equipment, supplies, construction, and technology hardware/software necessary to create realistic simulation environments. These enhancements will offer students immersive learning experiences, closely mirroring real-world emergency situations. By leveraging advanced simulation technology, Forsyth Tech aims to prepare students more effectively for the complexities and challenges of emergency medical care.

“This transformative project underscores our commitment to providing high-quality, affordable, and relevant education opportunities,” said Dr. Janet Spriggs, President of Forsyth Tech. “Thanks to the Golden LEAF Foundation, we are poised to significantly enhance our emergency medical services programs, ensuring our graduates are exceptionally well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of our communities.”

The enhanced emergency service simulation labs will not only support the training of future paramedics and EMTs but also address the pressing need for skilled professionals in hospitals, private practices, and traditional emergency response environments. With an emphasis on practical, hands-on learning, Forsyth Tech is dedicated to empowering students to pursue successful careers in emergency medical services, thereby contributing to the well-being and safety of the communities it serves.

“We are immensely grateful to the Golden LEAF Foundation for their support and shared vision of advancing education and workforce development in North Carolina,” said Konrad Walsh, Dean of Public Safety at Forsyth Tech. “This project proves the power of partnership and innovation in education, and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have on our students and the broader community.”

Forsyth Tech’s emergency service simulation labs are expected to be operational for the upcoming academic year, marking a significant milestone in the college’s ongoing efforts to enhance educational excellence and workforce readiness.