The Technical College System of Georgia presented Greene County College and Career Academy with a grant of $3.16 million to build a workforce engine for Greene County Schools. 

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle praised Greene County Schools for their successful partnership with Athens Technical College:

“Greene County has embraced the proven success of our College and Career Academies, and I am excited that even more students will have the chance to pursue a new world of opportunities in the classroom and in the workplace,” said Lt. Governor Cagle. “It is more important than ever that all of Georgia’s students learn the valuable skills that will make them successful, igniting economic growth at the local level. I am committed to bringing a College and Career Academy to every student across our state by 2020, so that every community has the same opportunity to grow a workforce that is second to none.”

“I am confident that Greene County College and Career Academy will help bring more jobs, economic development, and opportunities to students across Middle Georgia,” said Senator Burt Jones. “I want to thank Lt. Governor Cagle for his visionary leadership with Georgia’s College and Career Academies, which are bolstering local economies across our state.”

Lt. Governor Cagle praised the partnership between local school systems, technical colleges, and business, which has proven effective in increasing student achievement and workforce development. Because of Lt. Governor Cagle’s initiative, Georgia has led the charge to create 46 College and Career Academies in communities across the state. Approximately 30,000 students are enrolled in Georgia’s College and Career Academies, boasting graduation rates as high as 99%.

College and Career Academies specialize in training high school students for in-demand careers. Students find that challenging, hands-on programs provide greater relevancy and value, which not only leads to higher graduation rates, but also rewarding professional opportunities. The specialized training for students is attractive to local businesses, and communities benefit from a highly-trained and highly-skilled workforce.