Dahlonega, Georgia –Lumpkin County Schools has earned the Georgia Department of Education’s Economic Development Partnership (EDP) designation, recognizing its work to connect student learning with career opportunities and the workforce needs of Lumpkin County and the surrounding region.
The Georgia Department of Education, in partnership with the Georgia Economic Developers Association and Georgia Power, selected six districts for the FY26 designation: Lumpkin County Schools, Bryan County Schools, Colquitt County Schools, Peach County Schools, Paulding County Schools, and Haralson County Schools. The districts were recognized at the Georgia Economic Developers Association’s fall conference in Savannah on September 18. The designation lasts five years.
“This designation reflects our belief that preparing students for life after graduation requires strong collaboration among our schools, local businesses, and community partners,” said Lumpkin County Schools Superintendent Sharon Head. “We are proud of the opportunities our students have to explore careers, develop workplace skills, and connect their classroom learning to the needs of our community. This recognition belongs to the educators, students, business leaders, and community partners who have invested in this important work.”
Part of Georgia’s Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) program, the EDP designation recognizes districts that work closely with employers and economic development partners to align education with regional industries. For students, that work can mean more work-based learning and youth apprenticeship opportunities, exposure to local businesses, and classroom experiences connected to high-demand careers.
Lumpkin County Schools’ efforts include expanding work-based learning, strengthening CTAE advisory committees, connecting educators with local industry experiences, and developing career pathways that help students build relevant skills and credentials.
“When schools and local employers are at the same table, students have more opportunities to see where their talents can take them — and communities grow,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods. “These six districts have done the work to build those strong connections between the classroom and high-demand careers in their own communities.”
The district thanks the Development Authority of Lumpkin County, the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce, local employers, postsecondary partners, and other community stakeholders for their role in this achievement.
“Economic development and education are deeply connected,” said Lumpkin County Schools CTAE Director Cindy Hunsinger. “By working together, we are building a stronger talent pipeline, creating meaningful opportunities for our students, and contributing to the long-term success of Lumpkin County.”
The designation reinforces the district’s commitment to preparing graduates for postsecondary education, employment, military service, or entrepreneurship.
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