GA among few states with a datacenter academy for AI job market training. Here’s how to apply
Artificial intelligence is one of the fastest growing tech sectors in the country, and Georgia now has two academies for students to obtain a certificate or a degree.
Microsoft has partnered with two colleges to create datacenter academies at Atlanta Technical College and West Georgia Technical College, putting Georgia among a growing group of states with hands-on training programs built specifically for the AI infrastructure workforce.
Microsoft says the academy is a community skilling program run with local education partners, and it points students to participating colleges or training providers for enrollment.
What students will learn
The program is built around five pillars and coursework varies by school but covers the fundamentals of the field:
The pillars:
- Curriculum alignment
- Scholarships and financial aid
- Mentorship
- Simulation labs
- Work experience.
At Atlanta Technical College:
- Computer concepts
- Hardware installation and maintenance
- Information security fundamentals
- A+ preparation
- Computer networking fundamentals
At West Georgia Technical College:
- Computer support specialist
- Networking specialist
- PC repair and network technician
- Helpdesk specialist programs
Both schools offer hands-on lab time with actual server equipment. Typical labs include at least three rack cabinets with a mix of servers, storage devices, and networking equipment.
Application guidelines
Eligible students can apply for structured 16-week internships or apprenticeships and financial aid is available. Microsoft scholarship support can cover tuition, fees, certification costs, and essential learning resources.
Both Georgia schools accept applications directly through their admissions offices and no prior tech experience is required to get started. Students are notified of availability through school communications once enrolled in a DCA-aligned course.
To apply:
- Atlanta Technical College: The Datacenter Academy program begins fall 2026. Follow typical application procedures.
- West Georgia Technical College: The academy is located on the Douglasville campus. Apply to the Microsoft Scholars program
Other datacenter academies
Google has also partnered with higher education institutions with its Google’s STAR program.
- Arizona: Estrella Mountain Community College and Glendale Community College (Phoenix)
- Indiana: Partnered via Google’s STAR Program
- Iowa: Des Moines Area Community College
- Missouri: Partnered via Google’s STAR Program
- Nebraska: Partnered via Google’s STAR Program
- Ohio: Partnered via Google’s STAR Program
- South Carolina: Partnered via Google’s STAR Program
- Texas: Northwest Vista College (San Antonio)
- Virginia: Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (South Boston) and Southside Virginia Community College
- Washington: Big Bend Community College
- Wisconsin: Gateway Technical College
If you would like more information about Columbus’ data center and the heated debate about its arrival, the Ledger-Enquirer has extensive coverage.
This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 6:00 AM with the headline "GA among few states with a datacenter academy for AI job market training. Here’s how to apply."