The Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy (4C Academy) has been selected as the 2021 College and Career Academy of the Year. The announcement was made at the Lt. Governor’s Annual Business and Education Summit where the 4C Academy was recognized for its strong community partnerships, its growing internship program, and its innovative project-based learning initiatives. The 4C Academy was selected by the Lt. Governor’s office from a group of four very deserving finalists, according to Mark Peevy, Assistant Commissioner with the Technical College System of Georgia.

Accepting the award on behalf of the 4C Academy was Chris Hatcher, CEO, Angie Gardner, Principal, and Kenneth Dyer, Superintendent of the Dougherty County School System. “This award is a testament to the strong partnerships and teamwork that we have in our community,” stated Hatcher. “We are so fortunate to have a dedicated board of directors and a committed group of instructors who are focused on developing talent and preparing students for success.”

Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan was the Keynote Speaker at the Business and Education Summit and applauded the 50 plus college and career academies for their work in helping make Georgia the number one state in which to do business for the eighth straight year. Duncan shared his vision for making Georgia the technology hub of the east coast with the attendees, made up of college and career academy executives/boards, statewide business/industry leaders, and local and state education officials. He encouraged the college and career academies to continue to innovate and leverage technology as they prepare students for the future.

Dougherty County School Superintendent Kenneth Dyer commented on the award saying, “It has been exciting to see the evolution of the 4C Academy as we continue to push for innovation and relevancy in education. It is our goal to provide multiple options for our high school students to learn and grow, and 4C is making a tremendous impact by preparing students, connecting them with our local business community, and exposing them to opportunities right here in Albany. We are certainly proud of 4C and look forward to continued success.”

Chandu Kuntawala, Chairman of the Board of the 4C Academy, was also excited about the award, “This award represents the culmination of the foundation that was laid 7 years ago, with the incredible work and achievements that the leadership, staff, and team have achieved since then. I have said it from the beginning, 4C is a ‘game changer’ for our community and it remains true today. It is great to be recognized by the Lt. Governor’s office and we are very proud of the 4C Academy and this accomplishment.”

Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan’s Third Annual Business and Education Summit took place on October 5th at the THINC College and Career Academy in LaGrange. Industry and community leaders, as well as state and local education officials joined the Lt. Governor for a one-day conference aimed at furthering the dialogue around transformative education initiatives that will build a workforce second to none.