The State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) approved the allocation of more than $3 million to establish a new college and career academy in Gilmer County during its May board meeting. Named the Gilmer College and Career Academy (GCCA), this project is the result of a partnership between Gilmer County Schools and Chattahoochee Technical College.
“Every part of Georgia is experiencing strong economic growth, and we are working hard to prepare Georgians to seize the opportunities coming to their communities,” said Gov. Brian Kemp.
“This new partnership and facility underscores our commitment to connecting our citizens to the knowledge and skills they need to unlock success. Congratulations to Gilmer County on this milestone.”
The grant comes after two years of work by GCCA CEO Carla Foley and community partners.
“We’re ecstatic about this opportunity,” said Foley. “It was a lot of work and really a community initiative. It started in the summer of 2022. We held three meetings and the community really came together and showed their support and told us what they were looking for. All of those pieces were put into the grant.
“For this to come up after the supplemental budget was put out and to realize we were going to get the grant and be a part of the TCSG network, it was just really exciting for everybody.”
The GCCA will provide opportunities for students to excel academically and professionally, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s evolving job market.
“We are proud to support the growth of college and career academies here in Georgia,” said TCSG Commissioner, Greg Dozier. “This partnership exemplifies the collaborative spirit of Georgia’s educational institutions and underscores our collective commitment to preparing students for success in the workforce.”
The approved funds will support the development and operation of the GCCA, facilitating the expansion of educational programs and resources. With an emphasis on bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry, the GCCA will offer students comprehensive programs tailored to meet business and industry needs in the region.
“We are excited to partner with Chattahoochee Technical College to provide more students with real-world learning that connects them to a career,” said Gilmer superindentent Dr. Brian Ridley. “This is a significant step forward in our efforts to provide more students with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy.”
The establishment of the GCCA underscores Georgia’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in education. By investing in cutting-edge facilities and educational programs, the state aims to prepare future generations of skilled professionals. Through hands-on learning experiences, industry partnerships and personalized support, the GCCA will empower students to pursue their passions.
With the addition of the GCCA, the number of college and career academies in Georgia rises to 59. Georgia’s college and career academies collaborate with over 3,000 business partners. These partnerships ensure that the curriculum and training provided are closely aligned with industry needs, enhancing both employability and skill sets for graduates.
(By Technical College System of Georgia)