Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, has announced its designation of the Floyd County Schools College and Career Academy as a Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies (Ford PAS) Next Generation Learning Community, one in twelve in the country and the first in the state of Georgia. The Floyd County Schools College and Career Academy was chosen for this designation because of its commitment to prepare students for the 21st century workforce by combining academics with technical training and career exploration. The announcement was made during Lt. Governor Casey Cagle’s Innovation in Education Conference held on Friday, April 17, 2009.  Logan Osborne, a senior at Pepperell High School and the Floyd County College & Career Academy, was selected to represent students at the school and address the conference attendees during the acceptance ceremony.  

Lt. Governor Cagle: “It is an honor for one of our career academies to be among the few in the country recognized with this designation. I have always believed that an entire community should take the initiative to make their local education system the best possible. This is a great example of stakeholders coming together to create the educational environment that will enhance students’ skills and prepare them from job opportunities in their community and across Georgia.”

In an increasingly competitive world, it is important for students to not only have a challenging academic curriculum, but also the marketable skills that prepare them for their future careers. With that vision in mind, the Floyd County Schools College and Career Academy has committed to build a successful career academy network that bridges relationships between the school district and regional businesses and combines traditional academics with hands-on technical training.

“Education is a top priority for Ford Motor Company Fund, and we invest in education programs because we want to strengthen communities by giving students the skills they need to succeed in a global economy,” said Cheryl Carrier, program director, 21st Century Education Programs.

In selecting the Floyd County Schools College and Career Academy, Ford Motor Company Fund cited that Floyd County will use the Ford PAS Next Generation Learning Community 12-point master plan, which helps align career academies with future workforce and economic development trends. As a part of the recognition, the Academy will have access to professional development for teachers and networking opportunities to learn from the successes of other communities across the country. Ford will also offer technical assistance to Floyd County by a team of experts ranging in career academy design to workforce development.

“The Floyd County Schools College and Career Academy is proud to work with Ford as we continue to find ways to prepare our youth for their future education and careers,” said Dr. Lynn M. Plunkett, superintendent, Floyd County Schools. “We are proud of our excellent partnership with area businesses and colleges and we look forward to improving opportunities for our students as we learn from communities across the nation participating in the Ford PAS program.”