The Office of Lieutenant Governor hosted College and Career Academies from across the state at the Butler Hall Event Center in Gray, Georgia for the 15th Annual Business & Education Summit. Joined by industry and community leaders, educators, and students, the Summit held a series of panels highlighting emerging industries, the importance of skilled trades, and employment trends in healthcare. 

“Bringing together industry and educators is key to understanding where our successes and challenges are in maintaining a sustainable workforce pipeline,” said Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan. “College and Career Academies are at the center of preparing Georgia’s students for high paying, skilled jobs to meet the need for workers in emerging industries across this state."

While these panels focused on best practices and future workforce needs, the Summit also hosted a panel with local College and Career Academy students to hear their perspective on current practices to promote their success. The Summit heard from Governor Brian Kemp by video touting on-going commitments to education and workforce development, as well as State Senate Majority Leader Senator Mike Dugan (District 30 - Carrollton) on the General Assembly’s initiatives to promote College and Career Academies in local schools. The event and recipient awards were made possible by the event's official sponsors: Georgia Power, Central Georgia Technical College, First Environmental Nationwide, GEICO, Landmark Construction, Middle Georgia State University Foundation, Parrish Construction, Speir Electrical Contractors, DeLong’s Gizzard Equipment, Southern Educational Systems, and Storage at Crossway.

Annually, the Lt. Governor partners with a local College and Career Academy to host the Summit. This year, the Jones County College and Career Academy and its former CEO, Laura Rackley, hosted the sold-out event. Tours of the Jones County College and Career Academy were offered to summit attendees where they were shown the multitude of pathways offered to students including health sciences, construction, welding, sports medicine, and engineering.
 
Several awards were given out at this year’s summit including student of the year, business partner of the year, and college and career academy of the year. College and Career Academies from all over Georgia nominated their best students and most valued business partners to be recognized. These awardees, chosen by the Lieutenant Governor, were commended for their hard work and contributions made to programs across the state.
 
Award Recipients Include: 

Student of the Year
Joan Tovar-Martinez (Ignite College and Career Academy, Sumter County) 

Business Partner of the Year
Phoebe Putney Health System (4C College and Career Academy, Dougherty County) 

College & Career Academy of the Year
Effingham County College and Career Academy (Effingham County)
 
To view photos taken at the summit, please use the link provided below:
https://georgiasenatephoto.smugmug.com/Lieutenant-Governor-Geoff-Duncan-/9-29-2022/