Community partners gather for annual Career Workforce Summit in Bulloch County

On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, community partners gathered in the Oak Room at Ogeechee Technical College for the annual Bulloch Career Workforce Summit. The event provided updates on workforce development efforts and recognized outstanding students and educators involved in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) and Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs in Bulloch County Schools (BCS).

According to the school system’s website, “Bulloch County Schools provides Career Technical & Agricultural Education career pathway courses developed by the state of Georgia and the Educating Georgia's Future Workforce initiative, which leverages partnerships with industry and higher education to ensure students have the skills they need to thrive in the future workforce.”

In addition to networking opportunities, the summit highlighted progress toward the Bulloch County Career Workforce Development Plan, celebrated key successes, and introduced new strategic goals for 2026–2030.

Recognizing Achievements in CTAE & Work-Based Learning

The event began with a warm welcome from Christy Rikard, Vice President for Student Affairs at Ogeechee Technical College. A breakfast was served, prepared by Statesboro High School Culinary Arts students, reflecting the real-world experience CTAE students gain through their pathways.

Following the meal, Kristen Rogers and Renee Rogers, Work-Based Learning Coordinators for BCS, recognized students and educators for their exceptional accomplishments in CTAE programs and Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs).

CTAE Award Recipients

 Southeast Bulloch High School

• Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) – Advisor: Charity Masters
  • Sara Jo Tankersley & Ava Hurst – 2nd Place, Focus on Children (State)
  • Kayleigh Taylor & Bailey Chaney – 1st Place, Chapter in Review Portfolio (State)
• HOSA, Future Healthcare Professionals – Advisor: Elizabeth Hartley
  • Emily Peacock – 3rd Place, Dental Terminology (State)
  • Mason McNeely – National Competitor Alternate, Medical Math

    

     

• HomeTown Healthcare Industry Certification – Allied Health Program, Elizabeth Hartley

Southeast Bulloch Middle School

• Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America – Advisor: Kate Cowan
  • Mia Kersey & Chloe Lin – 2nd Place, Sports Nutrition (State)

    

     

Statesboro High School

• Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America – Advisor: Rosanna Ward
  • Erin Shen & Branden Howard – 1st Place, Public Policy Advocate (State)
  • Kennedi Hart – National Qualifier, Promote and Publicize FCCLA
  • Lorelei Prosser – 3rd Place, Teaching Strategies (National)

    

     

• Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
  • Chloe Jones – National Qualifier, Human Resources
• CTAE Instructor of the Year (Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce)
  • Josh Hall (Construction Program, Statesboro High School)

    

     

Reviewing Workforce Development Successes & Future Goals

Celebrating Achievements in Workforce Readiness

Rachel Barnwell, Vice President of the Development Authority of Bulloch County, presented a review of the biggest wins from the past five years.

• Work-Based Learning Growth
  • In FY21, there were 180 students in Work-Based Learning programs.
  • By FY24, participation had surged to 293 students.
  • 285 students earned a total of $1.7 million in wages through these programs.
• Expanded Career Pathways
  • New & Expanded Pathways:
    • Statesboro High School: Graphic Design, Forest Mechanical Systems, Workforce Ready
    • Portal Middle High School: Teaching as a Profession
    • Southeast Bulloch High School: Business Accounting expansion
  • Coming in FY25: Heavy Equipment Operations at Southeast Bulloch High School
• Career Exploration & Dual Enrollment
  • The Career Ready Bulloch website has gained nearly 2,400 visitors.
  • Dual Enrollment participation continues to grow, providing students with college credit opportunities while still in high school.

Introducing the 2026–2030 Career Workforce Development Plan

Bethany Gilliam, CTAE Director for BCS, along with Teresa Phillips (Assistant Superintendent), Christy Rikard (OTC), Breanna Calamas (College & Career Specialist), and Julie Morrison (CORE Credit Union), introduced the new five-year workforce development goals.

2026–2030 Career Workforce Goals

1. Foster a unified career education framework

• Strengthen the Career-Workforce Steering Committee
• Expand awareness of regional career opportunities
• Evaluate and expand CTAE pathways to meet workforce demands

2. Prepare students for successful futures

• Implement employability skills training across all schools
• Increase field experiences in every CTAE pathway
• Launch a student ambassador program to enhance public speaking & leadership

3. Develop career-ready graduates

• Expand Work-Based Learning employer partnerships
• Increase career awareness initiatives for students and parents
• Recognize career-ready graduates with work-ready distinctions

Closing Remarks & Call for Collaboration

Superintendent Charles Wilson closed the summit by reinforcing the importance of partnerships in driving workforce development.

“This community continues to lead the way in workforce collaboration,” Wilson said. “We prepare students to be productive members of society, but we also help them find what they love to do and do well.”

He emphasized the need for ongoing support from businesses, industries, and educators to ensure that Bulloch County Schools remain at the forefront of career education.

Looking Ahead

The Bulloch Career Workforce Summit not only highlighted the growth and success of CTAE programs but also set a strong vision for the future. With continued community collaboration, Bulloch County Schools aims to expand career pathways, strengthen work-based learning, and provide students with even more opportunities for success.

For more details, visit CareerReadyBulloch.org.

Thank you to Bulloch County Schools for its generous support of Grice Connect.