Peach County School recognized by the state for Economic Development Partnerships

PEACH COUNTY, Ga. — The Peach County school district has earned the Georgia Department of Education’s Economic Development Partnership designation for the 2026 fiscal year for its work in preparing students for joining the workforce.

The Georgia Department of Education’s Economic Development Partnership designation is awarded to school districts that work closely with local businesses to prepare students to join the workforce after graduation. 

Joey Hinson, Peach County Schools Work-Based Learning Coordinator, has been one of the frontrunners in preparing students for successful careers through dual enrollment and work-based learning opportunities within Peach County.

“This designation is a tremendous accomplishment for Peach County. It reflects what happens when our school system, local businesses, economic development leaders, and community partners all work together with the same goal—preparing students for successful careers while strengthening our local workforce,” Hinson said. 

A team from the Georgia Department of Education met with Peach County Schools on Dec. 3, 2025, March 26, 2026, and May 19, 2026, both virtually and in-person to conduct Economic Development Partnership designation reviews in support of the district’s fiscal 2026 action plan.

Peach County Schools was assessed in challenge and growth areas that included “strengthening CTAE and key stakeholder partnerships to sustain and elevate the local workforce development ecosystem”, and “reinforcing the district’s work-based learning program while fostering stronger industry connections,” according to a letter from Dr. Barbara M. Wall, the Deputy Superintendent for CTAE at the Georgia Department of Education.

Over the past three years, Peach County Schools has established itself as a key partner in local economic and workforce development through its participation in the EDP process.

“I believe the fact that in year three of the process, we have now earned the designation shows that the state feels that through a much more robust work-based learning program, great business and industry relationships, an economic development framework for our school district, and increased dual enrollment opportunities for students to earn stackable credentials while still in high school, we have met and/or exceeded the expectations put on us by the selection committee,” Hinson said. 

The partnerships between Peach County Schools and local businesses in the community are helping ensure Peach County develops qualified workers. 

“At the heart of this work is work-based learning and the role that CTAE classes play in teaching both content-based skills and, perhaps more importantly, those employability skills that are so vitally important regardless of the career path. Local employers often tell us that finding qualified workers is one of their biggest challenges,” Hinson said. “The partnerships we have made through this designation process helps us create a pipeline of future employees who already understand workplace expectations and have relevant experience through work-based learning. Instead of recruiting talent from somewhere else, we’re developing talent for Peach County right here in Peach County.”

Hinson explained that this designation is not just for Peach County Schools but also a recognition of the role that community partners at local businesses and government agencies play in providing students with learning opportunities.

“No single organization can prepare tomorrow’s workforce alone. This designation recognizes the collaboration between Peach County Schools, business and industry, local government, economic development, and our community partners. When everyone works together, students win, businesses win, and ultimately our communities benefit,” Hinson said.

Hinson is encouraging more students to participate in the work-based learning programs, saying it’s not only an addition to a resume but a chance to earn experience and connections.

“We are always looking to add students to our program. Our ultimate goal is to connect students with work-based learning placements that relate to CTAE pathways that the student is working on, or has completed,” Hinson said. “At its core, work-based learning bridges the gap between the classroom and the workplace. Students aren’t just learning theory—they’re applying those skills in real businesses throughout our community. Employers become mentors, students gain confidence, and many internships lead directly to employment after graduation.  Every student who participates in Work-Based Learning is building more than a résumé—they’re building relationships, professional habits, and confidence. Those experiences prepare them not just for their first job, but for a lifetime of success. That’s exactly what this designation is all about.” 

Hinson is continuing to push forward, seeking out new opportunities to help students.

“While we are thrilled that our school district has been awarded this designation, the designation isn’t the finish line—it’s only the beginning,” Hinson said. “Through this process, we have created momentum for expanding partnerships, creating more opportunities for students, and attracting businesses that now know Peach County Schools is serious about workforce development.”