$100M investment launches new healthcare training pipeline in Middle Georgia
Partnership with Houston County Schools expands training and dual enrollment opportunities
WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Central Georgia Technical College announced more than $100 million in public and private investment to expand healthcare workforce programs and support a new regional STEM/Allied Health Academy in Houston County.
The initiative is a partnership between Central Georgia Technical College and the Houston County School District and includes funding from the Georgia General Assembly and the Governor’s Office, the Houston County Board of Education, the Houston County Board of Commissioners, and a $10 million investment from Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Crews are building the new STEM/Allied Health Academy off Highway 41 in Warner Robins. The site will serve as the primary location for the program. However, the college said it will also support partnerships across its eleven-county service area.
Students to gain hands-on healthcare training
Students will receive training in programs such as nursing, surgical technology, pharmacy technology and medical laboratory technology. In addition, they will gain hands-on experience through clinical opportunities.
Participating healthcare partners include Atrium Health Navicent, Emory Healthcare, Piedmont Macon Medical Center and Piedmont Macon North Hospital.
Students in the program will graduate high school with a college credential. As a result, they can enter the healthcare workforce without college debt.
Dual enrollment program launches in fall 2026
Eligible high school students will be dually enrolled with the college and begin initial coursework in fall 2026.
The college said funding will support simulation labs, faculty hiring, and student support grants. Over the next five years, officials expect the program to serve more than 2,000 students across Middle Georgia.
Officials highlight long-term workforce impact
Dr. Ivan H. Allen, president of Central Georgia Technical College, said the investment is expected to impact students and families across the region.
“The transformative investments from all of the stakeholders will change the career trajectory, enhance the earning power, and spur generational change for countless students and their families across our region,” Allen said.
Dr. Mark Scott, the college’s vice president for strategic initiatives, said the investment reflects confidence in the program.
“The total investment in this initiative represents a strong vote of confidence in our students, our faculty, and the future of healthcare education in our region,” Scott said.
The college said the program is part of a Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative that connects public education systems and healthcare providers to create high schools designed to prepare students for healthcare careers.
