In Houston County, Middle Georgia’s spirit of collaboration continues with the Houston STEM and Career Academy, a Regional Hub for Innovation. This new learning environment will allow students to put curiosity to work and see how classroom lessons connect to careers.
A Vision for Students and the Region
The Houston County School District is leading this effort with partners across education and industry. The first phase in their new approach is a modern STEM building scheduled to welcome students in August 2027. More than a building, it is a hub where students gain practical skills in technology, healthcare, and advanced career pathways — fueling growth for the entire region.
“When K-12 schools, colleges, and community partners plan for the same outcomes, students move faster and communities benefit,” said Dr. Elgin Mayfield, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning.
The Academy’s design reflects a shared-outcomes mindset. A dedicated STEM Gym provides space for robotics and drone innovation, while academic areas integrate advanced mathematics, science, and technology classrooms to promote hands-on, collaborative learning. An Allied Health Science Wing — developed in partnership with Central Georgia Technical College and regional healthcare providers — serves as the cornerstone of the health sciences pathway. As the Academy grows, the facility allows for the addition of new partners and programs. Importantly, the district retains ownership of both the facility and its technology infrastructure, ensuring long-term flexibility as workforce needs continue to evolve across the region.
Pathways That Reflect a Changing Workforce
The academy will serve students from the high schools of Houston County and other school districts in the region. It is a program rather than a standalone school, so students remain rooted in their high schools and attend the academy for part of the day. This approach allows students to still participate in the traditional high school experience while receiving cutting-edge opportunities.
Students can choose pathways in areas like robotics, cybersecurity, healthcare, biotech research, engineering, and game design. Many healthcare programs will include paid internships with local partners so students can gain experience in their career fields before their high school graduation.
The District and Central Georgia Technical College are also exploring a “13th Year” option for Allied Health students who need additional coursework to complete a certification. Eligible graduates could remain on campus for one year after high school to finish their studies to earn certifications that will allow them to move directly into the workforce.
Building a Regional Hub to Invest in the Future
The campus will be located off Highway 41 near Russell Parkway in Warner Robins, near the Houston County and Peach County line and I-75. The location and design support the project’s regional purpose.
A rendering of the future Houston County STEM Career Academy, a Regional Hub for Innovation. The state-of-the-art facility will offer advanced STEM education, supported by state, local, and philanthropic funding.
Phase 1: The STEM Building
The STEM Academy represents a collaborative partnership among multiple entities. The facility itself carries an estimated total cost of $50 million. Of this investment, the State has contributed $7.65 million, Houston County has committed $5 million, and the Houston County School District will provide the remaining funds.
In addition, the Central Georgia Technical College Foundation was awarded a $692,000 planning grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies in 2025 — one of only ten such grants nationwide. This funding supports strategic planning efforts, including site visits to established STEM academies across the United States. Future opportunities with Bloomberg Philanthropies may extend beyond planning to include funding for specialized equipment and paid student internships, further strengthening the Academy’s capacity to prepare students for advanced careers.
In Focus: Bloomberg Philanthropies Grant Fuels Planning
Bloomberg Philanthropies has awarded a $692,000 planning grant to the Central Georgia Technical College Foundation to support development of the regional STEM Academy in Houston County. The grant recognizes a collaborative, workforce-driven approach to education. The funding supports Houston County School District, Central Georgia Technical College, and healthcare partners such as Emory Health as they design programs that connect students to high-demand careers in advanced technology and healthcare.
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Looking Ahead: The Next Phase of Campus Growth
A second phase would add a new Houston College and Career Academy on the same site, connected to the STEM building. This addition depends on the continuation of Houston County’s Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST), which voters will consider on November 4, 2025. If approved, the continuation would run from April 1, 2027, to March 31, 2032, or until a cap of $275 million is reached. Details and project lists are available on the ESPLOST Committee website.
In Focus: Understanding E-SPLOST
What It Is: In Georgia, an E-SPLOST is a one-cent sales tax that voters can approve to fund school capital projects, including construction, renovations, technology, transportation, and safety. It cannot be used for salaries or general operating costs. Each E-SPLOST lasts up to five years or until a voter-approved cap is reached. Because the tax applies to purchases made by both residents and visitors, it helps fund projects without relying solely on property taxes.
Houston County’s Context: The Houston County School District serves more than 31,000 students and is currently the 12th largest out of 180 districts in the state of Georgia. The district’s property tax (millage) rate currently ranks 165th out of 180 districts, making it one of the lowest millage rates in Georgia. For additional information about the Houston County E-SPLOST, visit the Houston County School District website →
These combined resources are linking education to opportunity and equipping students for the careers that will define Middle Georgia’s future.
A Regional Hub for Innovation: Connecting Classrooms and Careers in Middle Georgia
Through the Houston STEM and Career Academy, high school students will progress from lab to internship to a job through aligned pathways, employer input, and college credit. The payoff is regional: more talent stays local, hiring becomes more confident, and Middle Georgia is recognized as a place where innovation is taught, built, and put to work.
