(COLUMBIA, Tenn. – June 20, 2019) - - -Columbia State Community College, in collaboration with Franklin Community Church and Williamson, Inc., will host a Hospitality and Tourism Jobs Program information session at the Natchez Street Community Center June 27 from 6 – 8 p.m.

“We hope people will take advantage of this opportunity,” said Ken Daniel, Columbia State director and instructor for hospitality and tourism management. “The demand for trained hospitality and tourism professionals is high in the community and this will help fulfill that need.”

Kevin Riggs, Franklin Community Church pastor, identified a need for employment opportunities in the local community and partnered with Williamson, Inc. to help gain momentum. 

“Matt Largen, president and CEO of Williamson, Inc., contacted me with the idea to take the hospitality and tourism management program to the Natchez Street Community,” said Dr. Dearl Lampley, Columbia State vice president of Williamson Campus and external services. “Our vision is that the program will serve many needs in the community and will provide an accessible location to an academic pathway, as well as a fulfilling career, for potential students.”

The new jobs program will cover the cost of the first course, which will be held at the Natchez Street Community Center, and will provide program-long mentoring, free transportation to the Williamson Campus, financial aid advising, connections to potential employers and interview apparel. After successful completion of the first course, eligible students can apply for Tennessee Reconnect, which is a last-dollar scholarship that provides free tuition for adults to attend a community college.

The Natchez Street Community Center is located at 233 Natchez Street in Franklin. Free hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided. 

For more information, contact Riggs at Kevin@FranklinCommunityChurch.org