More than 17,000 Rural Georgia Students Supported in Innovative Partnership with Georgia Chamber and Georgia Department of Education

Tifton — Yesterday, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) announced the tremendous statewide impact of their 2024 partnership to meet workforce preparedness needs in rural communities.

GaDOE, in partnership with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Foundation through the Georgia Chamber’s Center for Rural Prosperity, awarded $2.1 million in grants to rural school districts for projects designed to increase workforce readiness. The program supported more than 17,000 students in 64 rural school districts, impacting more than 250 business and industry partners.

The Georgia Chamber released the report as part of the organization’s Rural Day programming at the Georgia State Capitol. Rural Day showcases the Georgia Chamber’s commitment to economic development across Georgia by convening business leaders from across the state for a day of advocacy for rural communities.

Some of the grant-funded projects include:

• Be Pro Be Proud mobile unit visits
• Georgia FLEX and Flexcellerator
• Teacher and staff externships
• Industry certifications for students
• Skills bootcamps
• Investments in healthcare and manufacturing programs and pathways

Daniela Perry, Executive Director of the Georgia Chamber Foundation said:
“Addressing workforce preparedness in our K-12 schools is integral to ensuring future generations are able to confidently enter the workforce and evolve throughout their professional careers. The Georgia Chamber Foundation is proud to bolster the work of innovative education leaders across rural Georgia by enabling these programs for schools that have partnered with their local industries and chambers of commerce.”

Dr. Bronwyn Ragan-Martin, Georgia Department of Education Deputy Superintendent for Rural Education and Innovation said:
“K-12 schools are on the front lines of building our future workforce. Educating students on career opportunities in their communities and equipping them with the necessary skills for career progression enables effective workforce pipelines across the state. The Georgia Department of Education was proud to partner with the Georgia Chamber Foundation on this initiative and is grateful for the Foundation's commitment to rural Georgia, and its students.”

Justina Brown, Operations Manager of Be Pro Be Proud Georgia said:
"We are grateful to the Georgia Chamber for their commitment to workforce development and their investment in rural communities," said Justina Brown, Operations Manager of Be Pro Be Proud Georgia. "Their support in partnership with the Georgia Department of Education has allowed us to expand our reach, giving thousands of students hands-on exposure to high-demand careers. By working together, we are not only opening doors for students but also strengthening Georgia’s workforce for the future.”  

Melissa Dark, Executive Director of Georgia FLEX said:
"We were delighted that the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Department of Education included FLEX in this innovative grant.  It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with rural school districts to offer a unique way to encourage and prepare students for the workforce.  We believe that when students build relationships with local business leaders and their chambers of commerce, we can create a system of networking and support that will positively impact student's lives and their communities--which is what FLEX is all about!"

Click here to read the report: “Increasing Preparedness in Rural Georgia’s Future Generations.”

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About the Georgia Chamber
Founded in 1911 and incorporated in 1915, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocacy organization in Georgia, working to protect free enterprise and secure our long-term economic prosperity. The Georgia Chamber represents tens of thousands of members in every corner of the state, with offices in Atlanta, Brunswick, and Tifton. In 2025 the Georgia Chamber launched GEORGIA | 2050, a strategic plan to ensure Georgia remains a beacon of economic opportunity for the next 25 years. For more information visit gachamber.com.

About the Georgia Department of Education
The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) is committed to ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college, career, and life. Led by State School Superintendent Richard Woods, GaDOE works to support local school districts, improve student achievement, and expand opportunities for Georgia’s 1.7 million public school students. Through initiatives focused on literacy, student well-being, and workforce readiness, GaDOE partners with educators, families, and communities to build a brighter future for Georgia.

About Be Pro Be Proud Georgia
Be Pro Be Proud, another partner of the Georgia Chamber, is a technical career fair on wheels that showcases to students and young adults what technical professions they can pursue after high school. The mobile workshop will provide simulations to these careers, and the professions on board will connect them to post-secondary opportunities.

About FLEX 
The Georgia Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurship Experience (FLEX), an affiliate of the Georgia Chamber, focuses on creating prosperity and revitalizing rural entrepreneurial ecosystems through the education of students in establishing small businesses. FLEX was created through a collaboration among the Fitzgerald High School College and Career Academy, Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Chamber of Commerce and the Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County Development Authority to foster the entrepreneurial spirit within the next generation.