President Pro Tempore Larry Walker Applauds $1.5 Million for Dodge County College & Career Academy

ATLANTA (August 10, 2026) - Senate President Pro Tempore Larry Walker III (R-Perry) today applauded the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) State Board's approval of a $1.5 million grant to establish the new Dodge County College & Career Academy.

The academy, a partnership between Dodge County Schools and Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC), will expand career education and workforce training opportunities for students in Dodge County and the surrounding region. The $1.5 million grant will support the development and implementation of the academy, providing students with access to hands-on instruction, dual enrollment opportunities and industry-recognized credentials aligned with high-demand careers.

"This $1.5 million investment is great news for Dodge County and, most importantly, for the young people who will benefit from these opportunities in the 20^th District," said President Pro Tempore Walker. "The Dodge County College & Career Academy will give our students another pathway to a successful future and give our local industries further access to the skilled workforce they need to grow and thrive. I'm grateful to Rep. Danny Mathis (R-Cochran) for his partnership in helping make this investment a reality. I also want to recognize former Dodge County School Superintendent Dr. Susan Long, whose leadership was instrumental in getting this project to this point. Dr. Long oversaw the grant application process and helped lay the groundwork for what will be a tremendous asset for Dodge County. This project is just another example of what we can accomplish when state and local leaders, and our technical college system work together on behalf of our students and communities."

The Dodge County College & Career Academy will connect students with college-level coursework and technical education while strengthening partnerships with regional employers. Georgia's College & Career Academies bring together local school systems, technical colleges and business and industry partners to provide students with career-focused education and strengthen workforce development across the state. According to TCSG, College & Career Academies throughout Georgia partner with more than 3,000 businesses to help prepare students with relevant, job-ready skills.

The State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia approved the Dodge County grant during its August 2026 meeting.

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Sen. Larry Walker III serves as President Pro Tempore of the Georgia Senate. He represents the 20^th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen and Wilcox counties, as well as a portion of Houston County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at [email protected].

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