The Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority (MBCIA) recognizes the Bibb County School District for earning the Economic Development Partnership (EDP) Designation. After three rounds of interviews and multiple document submissions, the Bibb County School District was awarded the EDP Designation in June.

Dr. Cassandra Washington serves as Executive Director of CTAE at W.S. Hutchings College and Career Academy as well as Board Member of MBCIA. She said, “The EDP process represents an exciting opportunity to strengthen the collaboration between out state, the Bibb County School District, Central Georgia Technical College (post-secondary partners), the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and the City of Macon-Bibb County. These partnerships allow us to develop a robust pipeline of workforce-ready students from the Bibb County School District, ensuring they graduate high school with “stackable credentials” that lead to meaningful employment opportunities. This collaborative approach will allow us to become an economically stronger community – a true win-win that will pay dividends for years to come.” 

The EDP Designation is a district-wide certification process that reinforces the partnerships between the Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs and local industry partnerships. Only 10 school districts in Georgia are invited to apply for the certification.  

Lori Rodgers, Assistant Superintendent of District Effectiveness and Federal Programs, Bibb County School District, stated, “We are proud to announce our achievement of the Economic Development Partnership designation. This honor underscores our unwavering commitment to aligning education with regional industry needs and fostering robust partnerships with local businesses. It is a reflection of our community’s dedication to creating opportunities that benefit our students and the broader workforce. A special thank you to Dr. Cassandra Washington for her leadership and dedication in guiding us through this process. Together, we are building a stronger future for everyone in Bibb County.” 

The W.S. Hutchings College and Career Academy partners with local industries to teach high schoolers career-relevant skills, thus creating a local workforce development pipeline.  

Jessica Walden, President and CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce stated, “The EDP Designation validates the hard work being done in Macon-Bibb County and the efforts made by Dr. Washington at W.S. Hutchings College and Career Academy to develop the next generation and rising workforce. We are excited to see what other opportunities the Designation brings to Macon-Bibb County and the ways in which our school system continues to grow.” 

To learn more about success stories in Macon-Bibb County click here.