Education and Workforce

The Education Implementation Team is recommending the development of a model school that seeks a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of children and their families. Although the focus of this school would be academic achievement, the group also recognizes that academic achievement is also connected to the social well-being of the children and their families. The Education Implementation Team seeks collaboration with the Clarke County School System, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, University of Georgia, and other community partners to help make this school a reality.

The focus of this initiative is to create new public education models in Athens that reflect extensive community involvement, shared governance, and new partnerships to meet the diverse needs of our children and communities. This initiative will have a long-term impact on poverty by creating new educational choices that will improve the public education outcomes in Athens, and ultimately improve the quality of our workforce.

Progress Report

The OneAthens Education Team has designed a new model school that seeks a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of children and their families. Some of the major components of the model include 3 year old classes, low student teacher ratios, extended school time, family enrichment components, and a community charter school governance structure.

Create a workforce development school by August 2009, in collaboration with the Clarke County School District, area employers, and Athens Technical College to provide vocational technical education (modeled after the Newnan, GA, Central Educational Center) to meet the needs of youth and adult students and address the workforce demands of the region.

The focus of this initiative is to create a state-of-the-art career training center, for youth and adults, that draws on the resources and expertise of our school system, Athens Technical College, and our business community. This initiative will reduce poverty by preparing students for the workforce, increasing their options, and reducing the drop-out rate.

Progress Report

The OneAthens Workforce Team is moving forward with the design of the Athens Community Career Academy. The mission of the Athens Community Career Academy is to provide expansive opportunities for students to achieve educational and career goals while meeting local and regional workforce needs. A strong partnership involving the Clarke County School District, Athens Technical College, University of Georgia, Family Connection, and employers is continuing to pursue the implementation of this initiative.