Effingham Educators Gain Industry Insight Through Regional Externship Program

July 1, 2025

Partners and participants celebrate the 2025 Educator Externship Program. L to R: Robert Vazquez, Vannette Randolph (Sewon America), Patrick Lapollo (Ebenezer Middle), Veronica Smith (South Effingham High), Jessica Hood (ECIDA).

RINCON, GA – Two Effingham County educators had the unique opportunity to step inside some of the region’s most advanced industrial facilities as part of the inaugural Regional Educator Externship Program hosted by the Regional Industry Support Enterprise (RISE) from June 2–6. The program, made possible with support from Georgia Power and coordinated locally by the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (ECIDA), connects educators with real-world industry experience to strengthen career readiness efforts in local schools.

Effingham County educators Veronica Smith and Patrick Lapollo were among 16 participants selected from across the eight-county RISE region. Each educator was assigned to shadow a different manufacturing or logistics company to gain firsthand insight into high-demand career fields. Smith and Lapollo were placed at Sewon America, where they observed operations across multiple departments and learned about the career pathways available within the company. Other host companies in the program included Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, Cardinal Glass Industries, JCB, Claxton Poultry, SNF Holding Company, and JTEKT.

The ECIDA helped coordinate the program locally and worked closely with the Effingham County School District to nominate participants. “We’re proud to support initiatives like the Educator Externship that build meaningful bridges between classrooms and careers,” said Jessica Hood, Vice President of the ECIDA. “When our educators understand the evolving needs of our industries, they’re better equipped to guide students toward successful futures right here in Effingham County.”

Dr. Yancy Ford, Superintendent of Effingham County Schools, praised the program’s impact. “We are always looking for ways to deepen the connection between education and workforce development,” said Dr. Ford. “This externship allows our teachers to bring valuable industry knowledge back to the classroom and better prepare students for the opportunities waiting for them after graduation.”

Veronica Smith, a participating educator, reflected on her experience at Sewon America:

“What I enjoyed most about my time at Sewon was the opportunity to shadow different roles and see how each position plays an essential part in the final product. It gave me a much deeper appreciation for the coordination and teamwork that define a successful manufacturing environment. I was especially surprised to learn that all employees start as team members and have clear opportunities to grow within the company. The level of collaboration—despite language barriers—was impressive and speaks to the supportive culture they’ve built. I look forward to taking these insights back to my students, especially the importance of teamwork and how group tours can help them connect classroom lessons to real-world careers.”

Sewon America leadership also saw value in the experience. “It was fantastic to see the perspective of someone outside the industry,” said Robert Vazquez, Director of Human Resources at Sewon America. “The program was informative for both our team and the educator. We hope this experience helps bring more clarity and awareness to the wide range of career opportunities available not only at Sewon, but throughout the manufacturing sector.”

At the conclusion of the week, all externs presented their takeaways during a special graduation ceremony hosted by RISE. Each educator received a $1,000 stipend and left with a renewed commitment to aligning education with workforce demands.

The ECIDA extends its thanks to RISE, Georgia Power, and the host industries for investing in educator development and helping to grow a talent pipeline rooted in real-world understanding.

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