Houston County School District breaks ground on future STEM and Career Academy

WARNER ROBINS — Houston County School District hosted a groundbreaking of its future STEM and Career Academy on Friday. Superintendent of Schools Richard Rogers considers this project a game-changer for the county and a regional hub for innovation. 

“A place where partnership and possibility will come together to shape future opportunities for students and our community,” he said. 

Rogers said the academy results from countless conversations with community leaders, business partners, local colleges and elected officials. 

He believes it is a commitment to prepare students not only for graduation, but for life and meeting workforce needs. 

The academy will be about 113,000 square feet and will include classrooms, a wing dedicated to healthcare education and a STEM gym. In the gym, students can fly drones, drive robots, and host STEM-related competitions, which will bring visitors across the state. 

Students will have the opportunity to earn college credit through dual enrollment with Middle Georgia State University and Central Georgia Technical College. They will receive coursework in areas such as engineering, robotics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and advanced healthcare. Rodgers believes these career fields are critical to the region’s future. 

CGTC will lead instruction at the healthcare wing. Students will have access to hands-on training in high-demand careers, like cardiovascular technology, practical nursing, ultrasound technology, and other healthcare pathways. 

The program will allow students to stay for a 13th year. If they graduate from high school and need one more year to finish their certification, they can still attend the facility. 

For transportation needs, buses will transport students to and from the academy, allowing students across Middle Georgia to learn.

“It will provide opportunities ensuring that every student, regardless of their path, has the chance to succeed in a rapidly changing world,” he said. “Whether the student chooses to enter the workforce directly after high school or continue their education at the college level, they will leave here with the skills, experience and confidence to take that next step. We are building something today that will serve generations of students.”

Groups like David Perdue Primary School’s Pandabot Robot Drone League and the Flying Legion Team 3635 were also present during the event. It is a county-wide team made up of members from all five Houston County high schools.

Rabun Perdue is a member of the Flying Legion and a senior at Veterans High School. She is excited about the academy and happy that freshmen and sophomores on her team will be able to enjoy the new resources. 

She believes the academy will be an upgrade and lead to more publicity for the team, which currently meets at the old Elberta Elementary School.    

After high school, Perdue will pursue a career in STEM. 

“Technology is always rapidly evolving. We always try to adapt to new jobs and new people to fill those positions that can do their job right. That’s what these kinds of clubs and this kind of academy will build,” she said. 

Rogers believes they are making a difference in the county. The academy will offer the highest-level math and science courses through the Houston Accelerated Scholars program.

He gave thanks to their many sponsors, but is most of all grateful to local voters for approving the E-SPLOST. 

“It’s about pushing students, helping them find their passion and then meet the workforce needs of this community,” he said. 

The STEM and Career Academy will be located at 3150 North Highway 41. The expected completion date is August 2027.