Jackson County's Empower College and Career Center has been awarded an $81,000 Top State For Talent Grant by the Georgia Department of Education. The grant will strengthen the career academy's Agricultural Mechanics and Metal Fabrication programs. 

These funds will allow Jackson County's Career Technical Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs to upgrade these programs with state-of-the-art, industry-relevant welding and plasma cutting equipment, providing students with hands-on experience using the same types of technology and equipment they will encounter in today’s workforce.

This marks the second consecutive year Jackson County CTAE has received Top State for Talent funding, demonstrating the continued commitment to expanding and enhancing opportunities for students pursuing high-demand career pathways. 

"Through investments like these, we are working to ensure our students graduate with the technical skills, hands-on experience, and industry credentials needed to successfully transition into employment, postsecondary education, and careers in Georgia’s growing workforce," CTAE Director Todd Shultz said. "We are excited about what this investment means for our students, instructors, industry partners, and community!"

The Empower College and Career Center serves students from both East Jackson High School and Jackson County High School, and will serve students from the new Hoschton High School when it opens in August.