Hart County Property Owners Association opened the year on Jan 20th with a comprehensive presentation about the College and Career Academy by its new and energetic CEO Steve Burton.Mr. Burton seems to have made all stops in the Hart County school system from grade one through all teaching and administrative ranks to his present position.
His enthusiastic overview of the CCA covered the 14 pathways open to students, the most popular being Criminal Justice and Healthcare. Recent additions cover welding and HVAC. A marine mechanics pathway is anticipated for the Fall of 2023.
When a student completes at least three courses (pathways), he is awarded a Technical College Certificate which, (while not a degree) offers substantial advantages in hiring and salary upon graduation. Many of the pathways offer paid internships above minimum wage levels and opportunity for future employment.
Mr. Burton also emphasized the "soft side" of career education in that there is a need to focus on traits like reliability (particularly for attendance in school, on the job, or at an internship), maintaining a positive attitude, and self discipline.
The audience was especially attentive, asking numerous questions about details which made for a very positive evening.
One question raised was that of adult education; for example a followup to the welding class offered recently. Evidently a computer education course for adults is being considered.
The February HCPOA meeting will focus on ESPLOST.