Every day, I see the transformative power of technical education. Whether students train in dental hygiene, cybersecurity, welding, automotive technology, computer programming or culinary arts, they gain the skills that keep Georgia’s workforce strong and our economy competitive.

Before leading the Technical College System of Georgia, I served as commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections. That experience shaped my understanding of how critical education is in determining a young person’s future. When individuals have access to meaningful career pathways, they are far more likely to build stable, productive lives. When they don’t, the consequences — for them and for our communities — can be severe.

Read More at The Atlanta Journal Constitution.