GEORGIA MATCH: Georgia Innovates AGAIN in Preparing Workforce for Future
Workforce development is a key concern for companies of all sizes and across all industries. Recently, Georgia announced its latest innovative approach to addressing this need with the GEORGIA MATCH Direct College Admissions Initiative. Governor Brian P. Kemp announced the “largest direct to college initiative in the country” at the inaugural Governor’s Workforce Summit. Through this program, rising seniors will have a spot held for them at one of the state’s University System of Georgia or Technical College System of Georgia institutions, creating a ticket to economic prosperity for Georgians, and the needed workforce for our companies.
As a result of a collaborative effort by several state agencies and the business community, more than 120,000 high school seniors in Georgia’s Class of 2024 have now received a personalized letter from Governor Kemp listing the public technical institutions, colleges, and universities that are holding a spot for them in the Fall 2024 semester, based on academic eligibility. The letters will provide information on next steps to claim a spot at a college on the student's individual list.
Three years of record-breaking economic development has brought tens of thousands of jobs and committed billions of dollars in investment across the state. While this opens the door for economic growth for all Georgians, it also creates the challenge of providing a flow of qualified labor for our companies. To discuss these needs, Governor Kemp hosted the Inaugural Workforce Summit.
Panel discussions with Governor Kemp, Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Commissioner Pat Wilson, and other leaders from a diverse range of businesses along with education leaders highlighted the shared interest in delivering opportunities for Georgians. Over 600 stakeholders in education participated in the event, where delivering Georgia’s signature “service after the sale” for business was the topic of the day. By listening to the business community to align education from K-12 through technical and university to Georgia jobs - the state has consistently led when it comes to educating Georgia’s workforce for careers available nearby.
Our competitive labor environment and workforce training programs are key reasons why Georgia has been named the No. 1 State for Business for 10 consecutive years by Area Development magazine. The Georgia Department of Economic Development GDEcD works with entities across the state not just to promote Georgia as the best state for business, but to facilitate engagement with state and local government as a partner in business success. These partnerships and strategic investments are why the State is celebrating decades of business excellence.
Programs like GEORGIA MATCH will ensure that every high school student in the state knows they have the opportunity to learn and succeed here in the No. 1 state for business. Through valued partnerships, Georgia is working together to remain a place of opportunity for all!