Innovation and Technology Academy Opens in Bibb County, Offering Cutting-Edge Career Pathways

On Thursday, December 5, 2024, the Bibb County School District and Macon-Bibb County held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the Innovation and Technology Academy.

“The Innovation and Technology Academy is proof that the Macon-Bibb County community is forward-thinking and ensuring we cultivate a skilled, innovative, and tech-savvy workforce by creating a cutting-edge educational facility,” said Dr. Cassandra Washington, Executive Director of CTAE and CEO of Hutchings College and Career Academy. “The Academy nurtures creativity, adaptability to ensure that our students are meeting the needs of the future generation leaders needed in the tomorrow’s workforce.”

The Academy is a collaborative project made possible through partnerships with the Macon-Bibb County Urban Development Authority and the donation of the building by Butler Collision Center. The facility focuses on expanding Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) pathways and fostering workforce development.

“During my time as Bibb County School Board President, I saw a need for an expansion on getting our students the right tools they need to enter our workforce. When this building became available, I knew it could be the perfect fit,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “I am so proud to partner with our School District in welcoming this new resource in our community that will help shape the lives and futures of our kids.”

The building has been transformed into an educational space supporting career readiness and workforce development through innovative programs. Superintendent Dr. Dan Sims emphasized the impact on students: “As this relates to workforce, knowing that students can go right out of high school and do some amazing things, we now have one more vehicle to make that happen. This will give them the opportunity to learn something about themselves and learn valuable skills they can hold on to for the rest of their lives and thrive in a career. They will be able to look back and say it started on Eisenhower Parkway.”

Howard High School senior Donald Williams III shared his enthusiasm for the Academy’s potential to shape his future. “I plan to attend college in the upcoming fall, seeking a bachelor’s in computer science and mechanical engineering. With these degrees I look forward to connecting the resources and experiences provided by the Innovation and Technology Academy to obtain an occupation in a STEM career field,” he said.

The Innovation and Technology Academy will offer pathways in robotics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, with a new Electric Vehicle (EV) career program launching in August 2025. The EV pathway will cover topics such as electric motors, batteries, charging infrastructure, and renewable energy integration. Hands-on training and advanced technologies, including simulation software and diagnostic tools, will prepare students for the growing EV industry.

Robotics programming at the Academy is set to begin in January 2025, with full courses launching later that year.