The Emanuel County School System is launching an innovative new college and career academy this August, bringing together Swainsboro High School, Emanuel County Institute, Southeastern Technical College, Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce, the Joint Development Authority, and area businesses to prepare students for high-demand careers right here in Emanuel County.
EDGE Academy Opens Doors to Career-Ready Education
The new College and Career Academy (CCA), named EDGE (Educate, Develop and Grow Emanuel), will begin classes on August 4th at the Larry J "Butch" Parrish Technology Center on Southeastern Technical College’s Swainsboro campus. This partnership represents a significant investment in the county's future workforce.
"The primary mission of EDGE CCA is to pull together community partners to identify and address the present and future workforce needs of Emanuel County, and to provide the training needed for our youth to fill these great paying jobs," said Dr. Glenn Deibert, Emanuel County School System Strategic Innovation Consultant.
How EDGE Works
Students from Emanuel County Institute and Swainsboro High School can take advantage of this unique opportunity through dual enrollment, earning both high school and college credit simultaneously. The Emanuel County School System will provide transportation via bus from both high schools to the Southeastern Technical College Swainsboro campus.
Classes are structured around students' high school schedules:
• Morning Session: 8:30 AM - 10:45 AM
• Afternoon Session: 12:10 PM - 2:20 PM
Industry-Driven Programs Address Local Workforce Needs
Through Southeastern Technical College, EDGE will offer students the opportunity to register for 16 technical certificate programs this fall, organized by career sector:
Business Technologies:
• Accounting Clerk Assistant
• Accounting Fundamentals
• Customer Contact Specialist
• Office Accounting Specialist
• Microsoft Word Applications Professional
Cyber and Computer Related:
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Healthcare and Nursing:
• Nurse Aide
Industrial Technologies:
• Basic Machinist
• Gas Metal Arc Welder
• Diesel Electrical/Electronics Systems Technician
• Diesel Engines Service Technician
Personal and Public Services Technologies:
• Criminal Justice Specialist
• Salon and Spa Support Specialist
• Early Childhood Care & Education Basics
Transportation and Logistics:
• Diesel Electrical/Electronics Systems Technician
• Diesel Engines Service Technician
In addition to the Southeastern Technical College dual enrollment offerings, the Emanuel County School System will offer Engineering Technology and Agricultural Mechanics pathways for high school credit.
Each student who graduates from a Southeastern Technical College technical certificate program will fulfill requirements as a high school career pathway completer, giving them multiple credentials upon graduation.
Local Business Leaders Drive Programming Decisions
A key advantage of EDGE CCA is its Board of Directors, composed primarily of local business and industry representatives. This board continuously assesses current and future employment opportunities in Emanuel County, ensuring programs remain aligned with actual job market demands. The EDGE CCA Board of Directors are scheduled to hold their inaugural meeting Wednesday, July 16, at 1:30pm.
Exciting Opportunities Ahead
EDGE CCA administrators plan to announce additional student opportunities this fall, including new technical certificates for spring semester 2026 and fall semester 2026.
Get Involved
For more information about EDGE CCA, including enrollment details and program requirements, contact your Swainsboro High School or Emanuel Country Institute High School Counselor or College & Career Coach.
