Why Georgia Works Alignment Grants: Boosting CTAE Programs to Meet Local Workforce Needs

The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) have embarked on a unprecedented venture to strengthen the state’s labor market significantly by enhancing the alignment of school-based Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs with local industry needs. A hearty grant program, labeled the Why Georgia Works Alignment Grants, has been initiated for this purpose.

A $203,564 Grant Program For 15 Local School Districts

Expending a total of $203,564, the alignment grant program is intended to support 15 local school districts. The beneficiaries will include the school districts of Clarke, Clayton, Crisp, Effingham, Fulton, Harris, Jackson, Murray, Muscogee, Oconee, Peach, Savannah-Chatham, Tattnall, and White County, as well as the Marietta City school district. These grants are being awarded through a competitive allocation process.

“Preparing the next generation of hardworking Georgians to lead successful careers in all parts of our state is one of our top priorities,” remarked Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. He stressed the focus of these grants which is, connecting schools with the numerous opportunities available in fast-growing fields.

Addressing Gaps and Developing Action Plans

The grants obtained will enable each awarded school district to carry out an in-depth examination of local industry needs and strive to bridge the apparent gaps between CTAE pathway enrollment and workforce requirements. This will be made possible by their collaboration with the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. These school districts will further develop and implement action plans meant to meaningfully connect their CTAE offerings with flourishing, high-wage, and expanding industries in Georgia.

Elucidating upon the underlying motive of the Why Georgia Works Alignment Grant, State School Superintendent Richard Woods said, “It’s our goal that every student in Georgia will graduate ready for their next step after high school, be it pursuing fulfilling, high-paying careers without having to leave home.”

Providing Training and Implementation Support

With the backing of GDEcD, GaDOE’s CTAE office will extend training and implementation support to schools throughout the grant period. By doing so, they will ensure that schools get unhindered access to vital resources, supports, and expertise related to both education and economic development.

GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson praised this collaborative effort, emphasizing how this initiative further testified to Georgia’s commitment to compatibility of our educational curriculum with workforce demands, especially at the community level.

Revamping the Georgia Alignment Toolkit

In pursuit of enhancing the effectiveness of the alignment process, GaDOE and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government revamped the Georgia Alignment Toolkit, which provides a comprehensive guide to schools and districts to streamline education and industry requirements, in the fall of 2023. The project was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce – Economic Development Administration through Award ED22ATL3070005 as a single-year grant opportunity.

Fueled by the proactive endorsement of these alignment efforts by prominent leaders, the Why Georgia Works Alignment Grants are paving the way for significant improvements in Georgia’s CTAE programs personally tailored to meet the needs of fast-growing local industries.