CGTC secures $100M to train next generation of health care workers in Central GA

Central Georgia Technical College is launching a major expansion of its health care workforce pipeline after securing more than $100 million in public and private funding, an investment officials say could reshape career opportunities for students across the region.

The funding will provide for expanded health care workforce programs, enhanced student support services and “cutting-edge training equipment” for dually enrolled high school students at the new STEM/Allied Health Academy in Houston County, according to a press release from the college.

The initiative, backed by from funds from the Georgia General Assembly and the governor’s office, the Houston County Board of Education, the Houston County Board of Commissioners and a $10 million contribution from Bloomberg Philanthropies, aims to prepare high school students for immediate entry into health care careers through dual enrollment and hands-on clinical training.

“This support will significantly accelerate CGTC’s mission to provide accessible, affordable, and career-focused education to the communities it serves,” the college said in a statement. “This program is part of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ first-of-its-kind initiative that pairs public education systems and hospitals to create high schools in 13 communities around the nation that will directly graduate students into high-demand healthcare jobs with family-sustaining wages.”

CGTC President Ivan Allen said the investments from the stakeholders will enhance “earning power” and “spur generational change” for countless students and families across the region.

“All of the local and state partners share the belief that workforce development is the backbone of thriving communities, and we are so pleased that Bloomberg Philanthropies has chosen to support our collective vision as we implement our innovative approach of collaborating with school districts and healthcare partners to provide quality healthcare programs to high school students across central Georgia,” Allen said in the press release.

The college said it will also use the funds, through the CGTC Foundation, to support health care education programs across central Georgia.

Building a health care workforce through the academy

Houston County School District officials said CGTC’s Allied Health Academy is a part of the district’s new Houston STEM and Career Academy.

The Houston STEM and Career Academy remains under construction off Highway 41 near Russell Parkway in Warner Robins, with its doors currently slated to open in August 2027.

While the academy will serve as the primary location for the health care program, CGTC said it will facilitate partnerships across its 11-county service area to maximize the opportunities for students in the communities where they reside.

Students will be able to train in programs including nursing, surgical technology, pharmacy technology and medical laboratory technology. In addition to classroom instruction, students will participate in clinical opportunities at Atrium Health Navicent, Emory Healthcare, Piedmont Macon Medical Center and Piedmont Macon North Hospital.

Students will graduate high school with a college credential, qualifying them to enter the health care workforce without college debt, according to the college.

Eligible high school students will be dually enrolled with CGTC and begin coursework in fall 2026.

The funding will also support simulation labs, faculty hiring and student support grants for students participating in the program.

Over the next five years, the college expects to serve more than 2,000 students from school districts across central Georgia.

Mark Scott, CGTC vice president for strategic initiatives and the former superintendent of the Houston County School District, said the investment represents strong confidence in the students and faculty.

“Our partnership with the Houston County School District, healthcare providers, secondary education partners throughout the region, and Bloomberg Philanthropies signifies our strong commitment to ensuring a solid and well-qualified healthcare workforce for the next generation,” Scott said in a statement.

This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 4:07 PM with the headline "CGTC secures $100M to train next generation of health care workers in Central GA."