The Gilmer College and Career Academy has applied for a $3.1 million grant once again.
The GCCA submitted its application Sept. 15 to the Technical College System of Georgia. Last year, two grants were available, but only one is up for grabs in 2023.
Grant applications are scored using a rubric, which contains 14 areas that are read by separate individuals. Those who score high enough are invited to Atlanta for a presentation. The GCCA missed the grant last year by one point.
GCCA CEO Carla Foley had a busier schedule a year ago when she laid much of the initial groundwork compared to this year’s application process. She met with community members and business and industry partners starting last summer, which is when they assessed the needs of the community.
“Part of being a college and career academy is you have to align programs with the needs of the community,” Foley explained. “The group really looked at the programs we were offering to make sure we’re offering what we need here.”
She also had to get letters of support from the community, and Foley submitted around 80 to the state last year.
“After we didn’t get the grant, we said we’re absolutely going to go for it again, especially after only missing it by one point. So over the last year, I’ve spent a lot of time going to various events that are part of the college and career network just to learn more about what they were really looking for, for the grant,” Foley said.
The community and business partners who presented in Atlanta last year now make up the GCCA’s board of directors. They have adopted by-laws and spent time fine-tuning the grant for its latest submission.
If the GCCA is awarded the grant, $3 million will go toward much-needed renovations to the Larry Walker Education Center such as updates to the HVAC and plumbing. Foley noted that some interior walls may need to be reconfigured, and a new facade is needed for the building’s entrance.
The remaining $100,000 will go toward startup costs. It will allow GCCA to update classrooms with state-of-the art equipment to better meet students’ needs.
“Once we get this grant, we will be part of the college and career academy network, which includes 52 college and career academies across the state of Georgia,” Foley said. “We meet regularly to share ideas and discuss things that are working in different parts of the state. And it provides opportunities for me to learn about new and innovative things we can do at our college and career academy.
“Once we become part of the network, every five years you have to have yourself accredited and go through that process to maintain as a college and career academy.”
Foley said this year’s presentation is set for Nov. 16, and they should know by the end of the month if they received the grant.
“I feel really good about it. Looking at what I wrote last year, and what I’ve learned over the past 12 months to edit for this year, I feel I have a better understanding of what they’re looking for with the grant,” Foley said.
“The GCCA is so much more than just CTAE (Career Technical and Agricultural Education) classes. It’s providing opportunities for students to get certifications in different areas. We’re providing graduation options for students. We could still do those things if we weren’t a college and career academy, but being part of that network gives you a leg up to do those things more easily.”
Superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley voiced his support for the GCCA and its efforts.
“The development of our CCA has been pretty incredible, and they’ve come a long way. I think the ultimate goal is that the GCCA is going to be instrumental in helping to continue to develop a vibrant workforce throughout the Appalachian corridor,” he said.
The Gilmer County Board of Education submitted a letter of support along with the GCCA’s grant application.