The Georgia Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Center for Talent and Workforce Preparedness, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Education, awarded thirty-one rural school districts across the state with funds to support workforce preparedness programs.   

The school districts that have been awarded grants are as follows: Appling, Banks, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Burke, Butts, Candler, Chattahoochee, Decatur, Early, Elbert, Emanuel, Irwin, Lamar, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, Marion, Meriwether, Oglethorpe, Pelham City, Pickens, Seminole, Sumter, Tattnall, Turner, Wayne, White, and Wilkes.   

These selected school districts proposed initiatives that strengthen alignment with business and industry needs, expand awareness of post-secondary and high-demand career opportunities, and increase entrepreneurial and work-based learning opportunities for rural students.  

“As the No. 1 state for business, there are unprecedented levels of opportunity for successful careers in all four corners of Georgia,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “It is up to us to meet the needs of both employers and Georgians by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to find success in our ever-growing workforce and keep Georgia the best place to live, work, and raise a family.” 

“The Georgia Chamber is excited to support these programs that offer students in our rural school districts opportunities to explore and become better prepared for careers across the state,” said Georgia Chamber President and CEO, Chris Clark. “We are appreciative of the partnership of Governor Kemp, the Georgia Department of Education, and Superintendent Richard Woods as our Center for Workforce and Talent Preparedness continues to enable solutions that bolster our state’s education to career pipeline.”   

The Georgia Chamber’s annual executive insights survey revealed that talent remains the number one issue facing our state’s businesses. Georgia’s business leaders continue to focus on engaging with local K-12 school systems to increase awareness of opportunities available post-graduation.   

“Both early exposure to careers, and access to industry-recognized training and credentials, are vital to ensuring our students gain the skills needed to enter the workforce or pursue higher education,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods. “This partnership with the Georgia Chamber Foundation allows Georgia’s rural students to participate in workforce opportunities available in their local communities, equipping them for success in the classroom and beyond.”    

To learn more about the Rural Talent and Workforce Preparedness Grants and the Georgia Chamber’s partnership with the Georgia Department of Education, visit www.gachamber.com/foundation.