Lt. Governor Casey Cagle concluded his Eleventh Annual Business and Education Summit, uniting education and business leaders from across the state. Recognizing the successful partnership between the school system, local industry, and community leaders, Cagle named Golden Isles CCA as the 2018 College and Career Academy of the Year. In recognition of the company’s innovative partnerships with more than 20 College and Career Academies across our state, Lt. Governor Cagle named Georgia Power as Business Partner of the Year for 2018.

"Strong partnerships with business and education leaders have made exceptional opportunities available to students at Golden Isles College and Career Academy,” Cagle said. "Golden Isles is a great example of how our communities are innovating with industry to prepare the next generation of Georgians for success in high-demand careers. I congratulate CEO Rick Townsend and Glenn County’s leaders – and I look forward to celebrating their success for many years to come.

"I want to thank the entire Georgia Power team for their continued dedication to developing a workforce second to none. They’ve demonstrated a true commitment to building a skilled workforce pipeline statewide and I’m thrilled to see them named business partner of the year.

"As we celebrate our 11th annual summit, I’m proud to announce that our College and Career Academy Network has leveraged an initial investment of $12 million to generate over $400 million in funding from state, local, and industry partnerships in the years since. Because of this tremendous support, today, more than 30,000 students are enrolled in 46 College and Career Academies,” Cagle said.

The Summit brought together business, industry, and education leaders to discuss the importance of abandoning a one-size-fits-all model in public education, focusing on the future academic and professional needs of each individual student. By partnering with local businesses and regional industries, school systems are offering innovative career pathways with public-private partnerships, which have proven effective in filling the gaps that exist in Georgia’s workforce.

Golden Isles College and Career Academy:

Since their founding in 2009, Golden Isles College and Career Academy (GICCA) has been providing students with transformative opportunities for success. Through a cohesive partnership with Coastal Pines Technical College, GICCA students have more than tripled their participation in Dual Enrollment. GICCA’s classroom curriculum includes a unique grading system that was specifically designed by local business partners to include soft skills, work ethic, and career preparation skills.

The College and Career Academy's business partners have played a key role in their successes, receiving outstanding support from Gulfstream, King ad Prince Seafood, Rich Products, Pinova, and many more local businesses. After being recognized as CCA of the Year, Golden Isles College and Career Academy received a $3,000 grant sponsored by the Georgia Apartment Association Foundation (GAAF).

Georgia Power:

Nominated by Gordon County College and Career Academy and Floyd County Schools College and Career Academy, Georgia Power is actively involved in 20 CCA governing boards and business partnerships. This innovative company has sought to develop skilled employees, taking a leading role in ensuring a robust and dynamic workforce is employed across the state of Georgia.

As a longtime advocate of the CCA Network, Georgia Power has provided financial assistance of over $200,000, curriculum support, equipment donations, dual enrollment opportunities, and student internships. Helping each academy understand their key role in regional and statewide economic development, Georgia Power has set an example for other CCAs and business partners across Georgia to follow.