Middle Georgia boasts a robust educational system that caters to a diverse range of learners, serving as a fertile ground for the innovation sector.
The region is home to several esteemed institutions offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as Georgia Quick Start — the top workforce development program in the country.
From early education to advanced academic pursuits, STEM education is a focal point, with schools and colleges emphasizing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to prepare students for the evolving workforce.
Ultimately, this dynamic academic landscape propels advancements and economic growth by fostering a skilled local workforce, offering collaborative research opportunities, and creating a continuous flow of talent.
EMBER BISHOP BENTLEY
Vice President, External Affairs &
Chief of Staff, Middle Georgia State University
The state of Georgia has one of the highest levels of post high school educational attainment among the Southeast, which is largely due to the state funding options for higher education.
Middle Georgia’s investment in workforce development and vocational training has further enhanced opportunities for students to acquire specialized skills and degrees that are in high demand across various industries, fostering both individual advancement and economic growth within the state.
A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, CGTC is a two-year technical college dedicated to providing educational and workforce development programs that support industry within Middle Georgia Innovation Corridor. CGTC operates 12 campuses and centers throughout the region. The state of Georgia has a Technical College System, rather than a community college system. This allows for customized programs that support the needs of industry within a region.
FVSU is ranked as Georgia’s top HBCU and #1 in STEM research National Science Foundation funding among public teaching colleges in Georgia. It is a unit of the University System of Georgia. The Center for Agriculture Innovation and Entrepreneurship, built by Fort Vally State University (FVSU), works closely with small-scale farmers to help build sustainable businesses.
Known as one of the most innovative public universities in the country by US News & World Report, GCSU is a part of the University System of Georgia. Located in Milledgeville, it has the distinction of being Georgia’s Public Liberal Arts University.
GMC is a two-year college within Georgia. Its main campus in Milledgeville is home to one of four Junior Military Colleges in the United States and participates in the US Army’s Early Commissioning Program where graduates can become commissioned officers in the reserve components of the Army National Guard or the Army Reserve.
Listed as the #1 most affordable school public university within the state of Georgia, MGA is a university within the University System of Georgia. It has 5 campuses throughout the region and is home to Georgia’s flagship School of Aviation.
Macon has served as home to Mercer since 1871. In addition to its large undergraduate presence, Mercer also has a law school and medical school in Macon. It has a School of Engineering, which includes the Mercer Engineering Research Center (MERC). MERC, located in Warner Robins, provides sustainable research solutions to government agencies, the Department of Defense, and commercial customers around the world.
MERC’s staff and engineering students work to solve real-world problems in artificial intelligence and machine learning, digital engineering, aerospace and mechanical engineering, cybersecurity, electronic warfare, electronics and avionics, and biomechanics.
Located in Macon, Wesleyan College is the first chartered women’s college in the world. It has a rich history of educating women over 100+ years.
Founded in 1967, Georgia’s Quick Start Program provides customized, company-specific workforce training at no cost to companies investing in and creating jobs in Georgia.
Quick Start is collaborating with companies to advance education in innovative new fields such as Bioscience, Clean Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Robotics, Software Engineering, and much more.
Quick Start remains the state’s most effective discretionary incentive, playing a key role in decisions by companies large and small to create more and better jobs for all Georgians.
Georgia’s Dual Enrollment Program offers Georgia high school students the opportunity to experience college courses and begin their college academic career while still in high school and provides for standard tuition, mandatory fees, and required books (up to 30 semester credit hours).
Available to Georgia residents who are working towards a certificate or diploma (continuing education programs are not eligible) at an eligible college or university in Georgia.
These merit-based scholarships currently cover up to 100% of tuition at public universities and technical colleges, as well as partial coverage of tuition at eligible private institutions in the state. There are basic eligibility requirements, which include being a graduate of a Georgia high school.
GOVIND KANNAN, PH.D.
Vice President for Economic Development &
Land-Grant Affairs, Fort Valley State University
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