CGTC launches $100 million healthcare training program for high school students
New partnership between Central Georgia Technical College and Houston County Schools aims to fast track students into healthcare careers
HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A $100 million investment is helping launch a new pathway for Middle Georgia students interested in healthcare.
Central Georgia Technical College is partnering with Houston County School District and major hospital systems to train the next generation workforce through a new initiative tied to the STEM and Allied Health Academy.
Students will have the opportunity to explore programs such as cardiovascular technology, radiology and ultrasound while earning college credentials in high school.
Dr. Mark Scott, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Central Georgia Technical College, says the program brings together education and healthcare partners across the region.
“This is a partnership among the school districts and the technical college, but also bringing in healthcare partners,” Scott said. “And so across central Georgia, we have three large hospital systems: Piedmont, Atrium and Emory Healthcare,” Scott said.
Scott says the collaboration allows students to move beyond traditional dual enrollment by gaining hands on clinical experience.
“This is an opportunity to meld those two together and allow the students to get those credentials early and to avoid the cost of college and those kinds of things,” Scott said.
The program will be housed at the new STEM and Allied Health Academy in Houston County.
Dr. Elgin Mayfield, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for the Houston County School District, says hundreds of students are expected to enroll in the first year.
“We’re hoping to have in our first year about 900 to 950 students to participate in the program,” Mayfield said.
School leaders say the initiative is designed to give students more flexibility after graduation.
“Several of them will get the degrees that are necessary to go immediately into the workforce,” Mayfield said. “Others may get a certification that will allow them to go into the workforce or continue their education.”
Students can begin coursework later this year, with the full facility opening the following year.
Bloomberg Philanthropies, which invested $10 million into the initiative, released a statement saying in part: “We are proud of our partnership with Central Georgia Technical College and the Houston County School District, which reflects our commitment to strengthening pathways between high school and in demand careers.”
