FCS CCA named finalist in Economic Development Partnership Designation program

August 28, 2021–4:44 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE

The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) recently accepted Floyd County Schools College and Career Academy (CCA) as one of nine Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs in the state to be part of the 2021-2022 cohort of the Economic Development Partnership (EDP) Designation program.

The EDP is a district-wide certification process that prepares school districts to adopt best practices and behaviors that support economic development, strengthen their programs, and align education with key regional industries. In terms of Economic Development, the EDP elevates the capability of school systems to fill their role in the community business recruitment and expansion efforts and as a catalyst for talent development in the community.

State CTAE Director Dr. Barbara Wall is excited about this year’s EDP program. “The Economic Development Partnership (EDP) designation supports a school district’s ability to contribute effectively to their local and regional workforce development efforts. The EDP enables school districts to align their CTAE programs with the needs of their local labor market. Fostering a strong relationship between education, business and industry, and economic development stakeholders ensures that we continue to offer high-quality industry-relevant CTAE programs that are equitable for all students and are supportive of local talent pipeline development for both now and in the future. I am very proud of the districts that applied and have been accepted into the program for this year. Our team looks forward to working alongside them on their journey to achieve the EDP.”

The CCA’s CTAE Director will partner with their business and industry and economic development stakeholders to work towards achieving the EDP designation. To achieve the EDP designation, districts must meet required elements that include a focus on business and industry partnerships, the strength of local CTAE program offerings, and the school district’s economic development-related activities.

“We are honored to be accepted into the EDP Designation Program. We worked closely with local business, industry, and post-secondary partners on this application process,” said CCA CEO Eric Waters. “We look forward to continuing to work with the GaDOE, business, and industry to ensure our pathways are aligned to enhance local economic development.”

The CCA will work with representatives from the Georgia Department of Education throughout the next fiscal year on their journey to achieve the EDP. Districts who earn the EDP designation for 2021-2022 will be announced next Summer.

Pictured left to right: Michael Brown (Suhner Manufacturing VP of Operations), Dr. Glenn White (FCS Superintendent), Eric Waters (CCA CEO), Patrick Ledford (GaDOE Economic Development Liaison for CTAE), Pam Powers-Smith (Rome Floyd Chamber Director of Business and Industry Services), Missy Kendrick (Rome Floyd County Development Authority President/CEO), Jeanne Krueger (Rome Floyd Chamber President/CEO), and Dr. Heidi Popham (GNTC president)

Local Weather