On Thursday, December 5, 2024, the Bibb County School District and Macon-Bibb County held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Innovation and Technology Academy. You can watch full ceremony here.
“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 Executive Director of CTAE/CEO of Hutchings College and Career Academy Dr. Cassandra Washington. “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 Innovation and Technology Academy is part of the Bibb County School District’s continued development for cutting edge Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) pathways and programs to include opportunities for public/private partnerships and workforce development. The Academy is a partnership between the District, Macon-Bibb County, and Urban Development Authorit y that was made possible thanks to the donation of the building by Butler Collision Center.
“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 work force. 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 our kids.”
The building was transformed into an education space supporting career readiness and workforce development through innovative CTAE pathways to be offered at the newly adapted facility. The Innovation and Technology Academy is an extension of the William S. Hutchings College and Career Academy.
“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,” said Bibb County School District Superintendent Dr. Dan Sims. “This will given 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.”
“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,” said Howard High School Senior Donald Williams III.
This innovative hub in central Bibb County will allow the District to expand its existing programs and pathways for robotics and AI/cybersecurity, and will feature the introduction of a new Electric Vehicle (EV) career pathway program designed to prepare students for careers in the electric vehicle industry. The curriculum will cover a wide range of topics, starting with an introduction to EVs, including their market evolution, environmental impact, and economic significance.
Students will learn about key electrical systems, such as electric motors, batteries, power electronics, and charging infrastructure. A significant focus will be on hands-on training in battery technology, maintenance, and charging infrastructure. The pathway will also emphasize renewable energy integration, teaching students about solar and wind energy systems and sustainable practices in EV manufacturing and recycling. To support this curriculum, the pathway will leverage advanced technologies and tools. Students will use simulation software for battery performance analysis and vehicle design, while electric vehicle training kits, battery testing equipment, and diagnostic tools will provide practical experience with EV components.
The facility will be home to robotics programming beginning in January 2025 and will open to pathways and courses in August 2025.