Houston County school district launches new career academy

Richard Rogers, superintendent of the Houston County school district, says the academy will offer classes in many subjects such as engineering courses, healthcare, and mathematics.   

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Friday The Houston County school district held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Houston stem & Career academy.  

The new academy will be designed to prepare students for future workforce opportunities across Middle Georgia. Richard Rogers, superintendent of the Houston County school district, says the academy will offer classes in many subjects such as engineering courses, healthcare, and mathematics.   

“Were just so excited, because it was a partnership with the state, Bluebird philanthropies, and our Houston County. Were also working with Central Georgia technical college on the healthcare pathways. We’ll also partner with Middle Georgia state university, with some of the dual enrollment pathways for engineering and so forth. So, this is about the community and future workforce of Houston County and the region,” said Rogers. 

Rogers says the academy will offer something no other school can. 

“We’re going to actually allow students to stay a 13th year. So, if they graduate from our high schools, and need one more year to finish their certification, they can come here, what we call a 13th year, and finish that certification, to make sure they are ready for college, or the workforce,” said Rogers. 

Veterans High School senior Rabun Perdue says she is thrilled about the new center, and what it will bring to future stem students. 

“I am so excited. So sad that I won’t be here to see it, but I’m so happy that the freshman and sophomores on our team will get to enjoy the new resources. Currently we work out of an old elementary school, and this is such a huge upgrade, that it is ridiculous,” said Perdue. 

Perdue says the academy is not just for a select few, but for every student. 

“Everybody will not only have an opportunity, but know those opportunities are available, because right now we have this team and we struggle to get publicity, but with this new building, the resources are right here…you drive and you come and it is available,” said Perdue. 

The academy will open in August of 2027.