Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, along with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), presented Sumter County College and Career Academy with a grant of $3 million to build a workforce engine for Sumter County Schools.

Lt. Governor Cagle praised the partnership between local school systems, technical colleges, and industry, which has proven effective in increasing student achievement and workforce development across our state. Because of Lt. Governor Cagle’s initiative, there will be 47 College and Career Academies in Georgia. Over 20,000 students are already enrolled in College and Career Academies throughout Georgia, boasting graduation rates as high as 99%.

“Our students deserve every opportunity for academic success – and with the creation of Georgia’s next four College and Career Academies, we are one step closer to ensuring students across our state have access to these world-class learning institutions,” said Lt. Governor Cagle. “These school systems have embraced innovation in the classroom, uniting business and community leaders to ignite economic growth for many years to come.”

“Bringing industry and education together will create opportunities for countless students across Southwest Georgia,” said Senator Freddie Powell Sims. “I look forward to working with Sumter County College and Career Academy and our local partners as we take the next steps in developing this economic engine.”

College and Career Academies are effectively developing programs to train high school students for in-demand careers. Students find that challenging, hands-on programs provide greater relevancy and value, which not only lead to higher graduation rates but also rewarding professional opportunities. The specified training for students is attractive to local businesses, and communities prosper from the highly-trained and skilled workforce.