Another step forward in workforce development! The Valdosta Board of Education has officially approved the Board of Directors for the WIN Regional College & Career Academy (CCA).

The WIN (Workforce Innovation Network) Regional CCA will serve students from Valdosta City Schools, Berrien, Clinch, Cook, Echols, and Lanier school systems. The academy is designed to transform opportunities for high school students across South Georgia—equipping them with the technical skills, hands-on training, and career pathways needed to succeed in the classroom, workplace, and beyond.

“The WIN Regional College and Career Academy represents forward thinking to address the workforce needs here in South Georgia,” states Valdosta City Schools Superintendent Dr. Craig Lockhart. “I am grateful for the vision of the Valdosta Board of Education, One-Valdosta Lowndes, and the numerous business, educational, and community partners who are supporting this endeavor.”

This collaborative initiative—driven by the shared vision of OVL, education partners, community leaders, and industry stakeholders—underscores a strong commitment to building a brighter future for the region’s students. By expanding access to real-world learning and career-aligned education, the WIN Regional CCA will prepare the next generation to thrive in today’s evolving economy.

“I want to commend the Valdosta City School Board for its leadership and foresight in helping create the largest College and Career Academy in Georgia,” said Mary Beth Brownlee, director of OVL and chair of the WIN Regional CCA Steering Committee. “The WIN Academy represents an unprecedented partnership among six South Georgia school systems to strengthen workforce development across our region.”

Brownlee noted the new WIN Regional CCA Board of Directors includes representation from all six partnership school systems, as well as three post-secondary partners—Valdosta State University, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, and Coastal Pines Technical College.

"Having three higher education partners provides a tremendous advantage for our students," Brownlee said. "It ensures a seamless pathway from high school into college and career training. Whether they pursue a four-year degree, technical training, or industry credentials. Each partner brings resources and expertise to ensure that the students are prepared to succeed in the workforce and beyond."

Brownlee also praised the educators, industry partners, and community advocates who have worked tirelessly to bring the vision to life.

“I want to thank Dr. Craig Lockhart, superintendent of Valdosta City Schools, for his vision and commitment to developing a regional CCA in South Georgia,” she said. “For more than a year, the CCA Steering Committee—made up of local educators, business leaders, and industry partners—has poured countless hours into planning and preparation.”

Tullis Beasley, Chair of the WIN Regional CCA Board, echoed praise for the collaboration and tremendous work that has moved the academy forward, and noted there is still significant work to be done to open the academy by fall 2027. 

“This effort reflects the strength of a true regional coalition,” he said. “Leaders from six South Georgia school systems have come together around a shared vision, expanding access to hands-on learning, technical training, and career pathways that will open opportunities for our students.”

The board is focused on refining the academy’s curriculum to meet regional workforce needs by offering unique, hands-on learning programs. Initial pathways include advanced manufacturing, agriculture, architecture and construction, government and public safety, health sciences, hospitality and tourism, and supply chain management and transportation.

In May, following more than a year of planning, the WIN steering committee—made up of business, industry, and education partners from across South Georgia and North Florida—delivered a comprehensive 60-minute presentation in pursuit of a $3.1 million grant through the Georgia College and Career Academy Project (GCCAP), a statewide initiative supported by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG).

Although the WIN Regional CCA was not selected for the most recent grant cycle, Brownlee noted the board is already preparing to pursue GCCAP funding in 2026.

“We have communicated our intent to the Technical College System of Georgia and will continue to work closely with them as we move forward in establishing the WIN Academy,” Brownlee said. “Our board and steering committee remain deeply committed to this initiative. We know that becoming part of Georgia’s network of 60 College and Career Academies will help fill a critical workforce gap in South Georgia and provide life-changing opportunities for students across the region.”