On November 15, 2022, Southern Pines College and Career Academy (SPCCA) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on its future campus site. Southern Pines College and Career Academy is a collaboration between four local school systems (Appling, Bacon, Jeff Davis, and Wayne counties) in conjunction with a postsecondary partner (Coastal Pines Technical College) and local business and industries to address local workforce development needs. “Appling County School District was proud to take the lead on this major endeavor that will greatly impact our workforce development pipeline in all 4 counties. SPCCA will also build capacity for economic development in rural Southeast Georgia involving all partners. We look forward to the full project becoming a reality in the near future”, stated Dr. Scarlett M. Copeland, Superintendent of Appling County Schools.
The new 11,285 square foot building will house an advanced manufacturing classroom and lab where programs such as Mechatronics Technician, Industrial Fluid Technician, Programmable Control Technician, and Industrial Systems Technology will be taught. The facility will also include a construction classroom and lab that will offer programs such as Carpentry Fundamentals, Electrical Technician, Plumbing Technician, and Masonry.
Coastal Pines Technical College’s (CPTC) Baxley instructional site will provide space for other dual enrollment programs on site such as Automotive Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, Timber Harvesting, Foundations of Computer Programming and Education. Dual enrollment courses are offered free of charge to eligible high school students who receive both high school and college credit for their courses completed. “Dual enrollment is an amazing opportunity for high school students who plan on attending a four-year university or obtaining a career skill through the completion of a certificate, diploma or associates degree from Coastal Pines Technical College. The programs being offered at SPCCA lead to a high demand, high paying job right here in Southeast Georgia”, stated Dr. Glenn Deibert, SPCCA Chief Executive Officer.
SPCCA received the “notice to proceed” with construction on October 13, 2022, immediately following the pre-construction meeting. The construction schedule reflects a July 10, 2023, completion date. If construction goes as planned, Southern Pines College and Career Academy will open in Fall of 2023.
For more information on SPCCA, please contact Dr. Glenn Deibert at gdeibert@coastalpines.edu.