Atlanta - The state board that oversees the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) today approved a $500,000 grant award to expand the career academy at the Atlanta Public School System’s Tech High School.

The board’s action came during its monthly meeting, which was held at the system’s central office in Atlanta.  The action follows Lt. Governor Casey Cagle’s November 13th announcement of the six new Georgia career academies that will be awarded grant funds and echoes support for Governor Perdue’s and Lt. Governor Cagle’s vision of improving education and helping children succeed.

Tech High is a comprehensive 9th through 12th grade charter high school with an outstanding academic track record.  This grant award will allow Tech High to offer additional technical courses and dual enrollment career academy programs.  Tech High School’s proposed new location at Macy’s East in downtown Atlanta will accommodate 500 students, is easily accessible and allows for expansion.

TCSG commissioner Ron Jackson said that there’s reward in partnering.  “Tech High’s philosophy is that all students can learn, and most can learn at a high level.  By integrating our technical training in high-demand career areas with their rigorous math and science focus, Tech High’s students will be prepared for success in higher education and in the workforce.”

There were 19 applicants vying for the $16 million in grant funds available to create Career Academies in the State of Georgia.  The Effingham, Floyd, Fulton and Glynn county systems have already received grants of $3.2 million each, while the Thomas County Schools received $2.7 million. The Walton County Schools also received $500,000 to expand an existing academy.

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