The College and Career Academies of Northwest Georgia proudly hosted Lt. Governor Casey Cagle’s Ninth Annual Business and Education Summit, a two day event that began on Monday in Dalton, Ga. and concluded in Calhoun, Ga. Lt. Governor Cagle named Effingham as the College and Career Academy of the Year.

“Effingham College and Career Academy exemplifies the type of success a school system can achieve when they fully embrace innovative ideas inside and outside the classroom,” said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. “With over 50 educational and community partnerships, Effingham leaders have drastically increased student achievement. They lead students into the 21st century dynamic workforce with numerous pathways designed for the specific needs of their employers.”

“The direct impact this college and career academy has made in Effingham County is undeniable,” Said Sen. Jack Hill. “They have developed key partnerships to ensure our students have access to unique educational opportunities designed for success after graduation. Thanks to Effingham College and Career Academy, we are truly building a workforce second to none.”

Sen. Jack Hill represents Bulloch, Candler and Effingham counties as well as portions of Emaneul, Evans and Tattnall.

The summit brought together business, industry, and education leaders to discuss and demonstrate the importance of abandoning the one-size- fits-all model in public education. Leaders from around the state highlighted beneficial impacts of innovative classroom settings and instructional methods designed to unleash students’ full potential while building a workforce to maintain Georgia’s status as the No. 1 state to conduct business. By partnering with local businesses and industries, school systems are implementing relevant career pathways with public-private partnerships proven effective in filling the current gaps that exist in Georgia’s workforce.