Georgia — More than 1,200 educators, employers, advisors, and state leaders filled the Georgia World Congress Center on September 24–25 for Governor Kemp's final Education and Workforce Summit. It was two days of celebrating the foundation that has been built and getting to work on the next phase.

Day One: Celebrating the Work

Governor Kemp opened the Summit with a clear message: Georgia's workforce is the reason we're the No. 1 state for business. Industry leaders then joined the conversation to discuss technology, AI, and how Georgia is preparing workers for the jobs ahead.

He was joined in conversation by SWDB Chairman Stuart Countess, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kia Georgia. Governor Kemp and Countess brought out three students, from K-12 to post-secondary, who described their own experiences and how they see technology and the future of work.

  •       Jared Catillo - Thomas County Central High School; plans to attend Georgia Tech
  •       Ch’ela Pharms - Central Georgia Technical College.
  •       Airon Rodulfo - Kennesaw State University.

Day One: Summit Awards

The Top State for Talent Awards were the highlight of the day. Commissioner Barbara Rivera-Holmes served as emcee and presented the first-ever Top State for Talent Legacy Award to Chancellor Sonny Perdue on behalf of Governor Kemp. The award honors Perdue’s lifetime of service to Georgia and commitment to education and workforce.

Various students, partners, and programs were recognized for making a difference across the state.

  • Work-Based Learning Student of the Year: Connor Wallace, Stephens County High School
  • Youth Apprentice of the Year: Remington Spell Pruitt, Vidalia High School
  • Dual Enrollment Student of the Year: Sincere       M. Shakur, Atlanta College and Career Academy
  • Georgia College and Career Academy Student of the Year:  Omari Hill, Liberty College and Career Academy
  • Business Partner of the Year: Toyo Tires
  • Georgia College and Career Academy of the Year: Catoosa County from Here to Career Academy

In addition to those awards, the summit recognized the College and Career Academies that earned the Dr. Joe Harless Georgia College and Career Academy Certification:

  •       Sims Academy of Innovation
  •       Athens Community Career Academy
  •       Broad River College and Career Academy
  •       Northwest Georgia College and Career Academy
  •       Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy
  •       Griffin Region College and Career Academy

Day Two: Equipping the People Who Guide Georgia's Talent

Day Two opened with Lane Ardoin, CTSO Engage Youth Governor, who shared her experience in the Talent Spotlight and what leadership means to her.  Day Two was also a call to action for practitioners, which includes counselors, advisors, and career coaches who help students and adult learners find their way every day.

Miki Edwards and Scot Lingrell, along with our partners from the Department of Education, walked attendees through the Georgia Connect concept and how it is the natural next step after Georgia Match.  Attendees were also challenged to begin developing their own improved advisement strategies to connect learners to post-secondary success and Georgia’s high-demand careers.

Keep the Work Going

The Summit was a celebration, but it was also a reminder. The foundation is in place. Now it’s up to all of us to build on it by making navigation part of how we serve every learner, and keeping agencies aligned around one strategy for Georgia.

Please visit the Top State for Talent website for more information.

About GOEWS

GOEWS is responsible for education data accountability, school performance reporting, academic auditing, policy research and evaluation, and literacy initiatives - while expanding its mission to address Georgia's workforce future.

Media Contact:

Sara Marchman | External Affairs Coordinator
[email protected] | (404) 904-5432

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