The Technical College System of Georgia’s Board of Directors unanimously voted to award the Heart of Georgia regional partnership with one of three Georgia Career Academies Project (GCAP) facility grants. The award amount was $3,155,557.

From the Heart of Georgia College and Career Academy Steering Committee (Dec. 2010):

This wonderful news caps more than a year of progress made by a dedicated team of dozens of volunteers from all walks – public and private – in several counties.

After preparing a charter petition that was approved by four elected Boards of Education (Dodge, Dublin City, Laurens and Wheeler) and working with four other districts, we had to prepare an entirely separate set of documents to apply for this grant.

To meet the grant deadline, our Steering Committee formed five working groups that met several times each over two months and wrote a 199-page application. Perhaps most significantly, we received 43 letters of commitment from partners, most from private sector stakeholders, that documented nearly $3.4 million in cash and in-kind contributions we will receive over the next ten years.

Our partnership was named a finalist in the grant competition in late October, and on November 3rd we sent a team of presenters to compete against three other solid partnerships in Atlanta for the final prize awarded early December.

There is still much to be done:   Our Steering Committee will continue its monthly meetings beginning on Wednesday, January 12 at noon at HGTC. State approval of our charter will not come before April 2011, and the grant funds awarded yesterday will begin to flow shortly thereafter.

Please take a minute to read the Lt. Governor’s press release below.  We are so very grateful for the leadership of Lt. Governor Cagle, the Technical College System, the legislature and Governor in offering this grant program.    (Jay Studstill, Steering Committee Chair;  Phil Dowd, Board of Directors Chair)

Press Release from State of Georgia, Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Lt. Governor Cagle Announces $3 Million in Funding for Heart of Georgia College and Career Academy

(Atlanta, GA) -Lt. Governor Casey Cagle today announced $3.16 million in College and Career Academy funding for the Heart of Georgia College and Career Academy, a partnership between Laurens, Dodge, and Wheeler County as well as the Dublin City school systems and the Heart of Georgia Technical College. The school was among 3 chosen today by the State Board of The Technical College System of Georgia to receive a grant that will be matched with local funding.

“As Lt. Governor, I am committed to providing every student in Georgia access to a college and career academy. Their proven success at providing our children the relevant, job-related skills they need is more important than ever in these tough economic times,” said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. “I applaud the local school systems, the Heart of Georgia Technical College, and the many community partners that came together to provide this important tool to ensure our students are prepared to enter the 21st century workforce.”

The Technical College System of Georgia evaluated six career academy proposals from across the state and selected three new academies. Because of Cagle’s initiative, there are currently a total of 26 college and career academies in Georgia. Students from different college and career academies across the state enjoy graduation rates in the high ninetieth percentile and 100% post secondary or job placement rates.

“Today, we congratulate and welcome the three newest additions to the Georgia Career Academy Project. These schools will join a growing list of career academies that are proven to foster student achievement, improve graduation rates and open doors of opportunity for Georgia’s students to attend postsecondary education and discover their careers,” said TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson. “I commend Lt. Governor Cagle for his vision for education and commitment to expanding career academies throughout the state, and I thank Governor Perdue and the General Assembly for their support of the program.”

“A Georgia Career Academy grant, known for its competitive nature, is proof that statewide education officials are as proud as I am of the community partners at Heart of Georgia College and Career Academy,” said State Senator Ross Tolleson. “Education for young Georgians is critical as they graduate from high school and grow into adulthood. This grant, I am certain, will ensure a better and brighter generation from our area.”

College and career academies partner local school systems with the state’s technical colleges and local businesses, enabling the development of high school and college-level programs that train students for quality, in-demand jobs. Students find that the academies’ challenging, hands-on programs provide greater relevancy and value which not only lead to higher graduation rates, but also employment. The specified training for students is attractive to area businesses and communities prosper from the highly-trained and skilled workforce. Businesses have found that partnering with the college and career academies provides a qualified and prepared workforce.

Post from: Moore Station Village

Heart of Georgia Wins $3.16 million Grant

Join us for the Leprechaun Contest, the Shamrock Crawl, the Emerald City Pageant and our famous BBQ Cook-off …and that’s not all!  Everyone and everything has an Irish twist this time of year.  You won’t want to miss any of the activities.  Visit the official festival website for all of the details, event schedules and more.

While in Dublin, be sure to visit Moore Station Village.  Like Dublin itself, Moore Station Village is a welcoming community with an easy-going lifestyle and Southern hospitality.  Whether you’re looking for your first home, moving up, starting a family or hosting the grandkids, you’ll find a home of the perfect size and style at Moore Station Village. Call to schedule a tour 877-272-9002.

Post from: Moore Station Village

Annual Celebration of All things Irish

Moore Station Village is proud to be located in the heart of this award-winning community.  Moore Station Village is an outstanding multi-generational neighborhood close to all that Dublin offers.  The neighborhood is also conveniently located near continuing care, assisted and memory care services.   To learn more about Moore Station Village and to receive updates and announcements from us, please visit our Contact Us page.

Post from: Moore Station Village

Dublin Awarded State’s First AARC Award