PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
11/17/2014
Contact:
Sherry Abrams, Director of Public Relations
(706) 583-2552, [email protected]
Athens Community Career Academy Named College and Career Academy of
the Year
ACCA and Caterpillar, Athens Recognized by Lt. Governor Casey Cagle at Business and
Education Summit as College and Career Academy of the Year and Business Partner of the
Year
ATHENS, GA (11/17/2014) – The Athens Community Career Academy, a College and Career
Academy opened in 2011, was named the 2014 College and Career Academy of the Year by
Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle at the 2014 Lt. Governor’s Business and Education
Summit. Athens Community Career Academy was selected from among six finalists nominated
for this annual award. Additionally, Caterpillar, Athens was named the Business Partner of the
Year in recognition of their strong partnership dedicated to equipping students with the skills
they need to compete in the 21st Century global economy.
“I am excited to officially name Athens Community Career Academy as our College and Career
Academy of the Year and also recognize Caterpillar, Athens as our Business Partner of the
Year,” said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. “The tremendous partnership between the Clarke County
School District; Athens Technical College; the University of Georgia; Caterpillar, Athens; and the
local business community has produced an incredible, world-class educational institution that is
leading Clarke County into the bright economic future of tomorrow. This innovative, forwardlooking partnership is a model for the kind of out-of-the-box thinking we need to transform
public education and ensure that our kids are fighting to get into school and not fighting to get
out. The incredible thing is they’re just getting started and I can’t wait to see what the future
holds!”
“Lt. Governor Cagle’s recognition of the Athens Community Career Academy is truly an
honor. The Clarke County School District and the college have worked closely to create an
academy that is unique in the State of Georgia,” said Dr. Flora W. Tydings, president of Athens
Technical College. “It is differentiated in that the school district covers the tuition, fees, and
books for all students enrolling in dual-enrollment classes offered at the career academy, thus
potentially saving students and their parents thousands of dollars. No other school system in
Georgia has provided this level of financial support to high school students.”
-MORE-
ACCA Award - Page 2
Athens Community Career Academy is a partnership between the Clarke County School District,
Athens Technical College, and the University of Georgia. Students from any of three public high
schools may apply to attend the Academy where they can be dually enrolled to begin earning
transferable college credits while still in high school. The Clarke County School District covers
full tuition and books for dually enrolled students allowing them to earn college credits without
incurring costs or debt. Students may choose from pathways including culinary arts, criminal
justice, healthcare, early childhood care and education, mechatronics, and early college
essentials. Each pathway enables a student to earn a technical college credential from Athens
Technical College upon completion.
The Academy enjoys tremendous partnerships with various groups and businesses across the
community, including their close work with Caterpillar, Athens. Caterpillar supports many of
the Athens Community Career Academy’s efforts, especially those within the mechatronics
pathway. Students are given the chance to interact with professionals at the plant and see how
what they are learning in the classroom gives them real life-skills which will assist them in
finding future employment. Caterpillar also established an internship program which allows
them to work at the Caterpillar plant while continuing their education at the Academy. Upon
graduation, students have the skills and experience necessary to apply for full-time
employment at the facility.
Dr. Tydings added, “Caterpillar has been a key partner of the college, career academy, and
school district from the time the company announced it had chosen Athens as the site for a
new manufacturing plant. They have given of their time, talents and resources. I am extremely
proud that Lt. Governor Cagle has recognized Caterpillar’s commitment to education in this
state.”
Clarke County School District students interested in the Athens Community Career Academy
should contact the Academy at (706) 357-5244.
About Athens Technical College: Since 1958, Athens Technical College has served citizens by
providing quality educational programs in a 10-county service area. It offers over 150 program
specializations in business, health, technical, and manufacturing-related areas. Students attend
Athens Technical College on five campuses (Athens-Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Walton Counties
plus the Athens Community Career Academy), Adult Learning Centers, and through Continuing
Education opportunities. Athens Technical College is an Equal Opportunity Institution and a
unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. To learn more about Athens Technical College
visit www.AthensTech.edu.
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