Lt. Governor Casey Cagle hosted a $10,000 check presentation with AT&T Georgia President Beth Shiroishi and the Dougherty County Community to support efforts to develop a College and Career Academy. The event held at the Kirkland Center at Albany Technical College included State Senator Freddie Powell Sims and multiple community leaders and businesses.
 
“As Lt. Governor, I am committed to providing every student in Georgia access to a College and Career Academy. Their proven success at providing our children the relevant, job-related skills they need is more important than ever in the 21st Century economy,” said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. “I want to thank AT&T for their investment in the Dougherty County community and I am excited about what a College and Career Academy can do for the Albany region.”
 
AT&T Georgia President Beth Shiroishi, who presented a check on behalf of AT&T to support efforts toward an Albany College and Career Academy, also voiced her support. "The Georgia College and Career Academies are a tremendous asset to the community and through the leadership of Lt. Governor Casey Cagle they have thrived across the state helping produce a highly skilled, 21st century workforce. With the funding provided today, community leaders can begin a partnership in Dougherty County that will position students to compete in a global marketplace."
 
State Senator Freddie Powell Sims who represents Dougherty County also expressed her support. “The connection between Dougherty County Schools/Albany Technical Community College and Career Academy Partnership far exceeds partnership status,” said Sims. “In the State of Georgia, Career Academy Partnerships have become academic “lifelines” for thousands of students in preparation for the workforce. Schools, businesses, and civic leadership, partnering with career academies, will contribute to the stability and growth of business enterprises in communities across the State of Georgia.”
 
College and Career Academies, an initiative of Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, partner local school systems with the state’s technical colleges, other post-secondary institutions, and local businesses, enabling the development of high school and college-level programs that train students for quality, in-demand jobs. Students find that the academies’ challenging, hands-on programs provide greater relevancy and value which not only lead to higher graduation rates, but also employment. The specified training for students is attractive to area businesses and communities prosper from the highly-trained and skilled workforce. Businesses have found that partnering with the college and career academies provides a qualified and prepared workforce.
 
Because of Cagle’s initiative, there are currently over 33 college and career academies in Georgia. Students from different college and career academies across the state enjoy graduation rates in the high ninetieth percentile and 100% post-secondary or job placement rates.