According to data recently released by the Georgia Department of Education, students in the Bibb County School District’s Career, Technical and Agricultural Education pathways secured a graduation rate of 99.21 percent. This rate encompasses Class of 2021 graduates from all six of the District’s high schools.

“When a district has engaging and inspiring CTAE programs and strong community partnerships, we increase the number of graduates who walk across the stage who are 3EReady – Enrolled, Employed, and Enlisted,” said Dr. Cassandra Miller-Washington, CTAE Executive Director and CEO of W.S. Hutchings College and Career Academy.

W.S. Hutchings College and Career Academy houses many of the District’s CTAE pathways, but students take core classes and additional electives at their home schools. CTAE pathway courses also are provided at each high school and via partnering educational agencies such as Central Georgia Technical College. The CTAE graduation rate exceeds both the District’s overall graduation rate and the statewide CTAE graduation rate of 96.71 percent for the Class of 2021.

“Our graduation rate shows the educators’ dedication to create unique opportunities for Macon-Bibb County students,” said Stephen Adams, Executive Director of the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority. “The MaconBibb County Industrial Authority is proud to assist connecting students to different industries to see what awaits them after graduation. Industries in our community are always looking at ways to invest in our community and there is no greater investment than the people in Macon-Bibb County.”

Preparing students for employment and other post-secondary opportunities remains a primary focus of the Bibb County School District. While pursuing their high school diplomas, students are able to gain dual-enrollment credits as well as real-world experience through endeavors both at Hutchings and their home schools. Partnerships like those with Central Georgia Technical College, Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, Greater Macon Works and others, help ensure students have access to a variety of opportunities that will increase their success in graduating on time and being prepared for life after graduation.

“Together we can make a difference in closing the gap for growing employment and workforce development as we focus goals on preparing and placing our young people in internship and work-based learning experiences,” said Yvonne Williams, President and CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber is proud to focus its agenda on this important economic development initiative for competing on the marketplace today and for years ahead.

” For more information about Georgia’s Career, Technical and Agricultural Education Program, visit https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/CTAE/Pages/default.aspx.