The Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy (4C Academy) has plans to launch "4C on Front," a student-driven fresh market located on Front Street in downtown Albany later this year. The market will feature produce from the school's garden as well as entrepreneurial goods created by student entrepreneurs.

The initiative aims to provide students with real-world learning experiences in areas such as buying, selling, customer service, and collaboration. It also seeks to increase foot traffic in downtown Albany by offering a unique destination for the community.

“Our number one goal at the 4C Academy is to prepare our students for future careers and we do this through a combination of our instruction and real-world, hands-on learning opportunities. 4C on Front is a real-world project,” said Chris Hatcher, CEO at 4C Academy.  “This will be an actual retail fresh market that will feature fresh produce from our hydroponics greenhouse and seasonal produce provided from area farmers through our partnership with Flint River Fresh.  In addition, we will sell student creations from young entrepreneurs in our community. 4C marketing students have been working on a business plan for the fresh market and, through this project, they will learn about entrepreneurship, customer service, collaboration, marketing/promotion and much more.”   

Dougherty County School System Superintendent Kenneth Dyer noted that the development of the Front Street marketplace reflects the district’s strategic emphasis on innovation and academically relevant, experiential learning opportunities.

“At the Dougherty County School System, we are committed to providing students with innovative and academically relevant learning experiences that prepare them for life beyond high school,” said Superintendent Kenneth Dyer. “4C on Front exemplifies that mission—blending entrepreneurship, collaboration, and career-ready skills into a real-world project that brings classroom learning to life. It’s an outstanding example of how we are equipping students to lead, create, and thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

4C Academy's curriculum engages local business and industry to ensure students learn relevant skills for the future. With expert instructors and college credit opportunities, students graduate high school college and career ready. The academy provides hands-on learning and real-world skills, with many programs offering industry certification and internship opportunities.

In addition to 4C on Front, the 4C Academy -- a specialized charter school of the Dougherty County School System -- has created a partnership to promote entrepreneurship in downtown Albany.  The collaboration will focus on youth entrepreneurship through the FLEXaby program in partnership with Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Albany Dougherty Economic Development Commission as well as a new entrepreneurial program for early stage adult entrepreneurs called The Launch Room.  The space on Front Street will provide a home for these efforts.

4C Academy serves Dougherty, Terrell, Baker, and Calhoun counties with a mission to produce college and career-ready graduates with relevant skills, education, and an exceptional work ethic.

4C on Front is expected to open sometime in the Fall of 2025.