Macon, Ga. – Hunter Faircloth graduates this May from VIP Academy in Bibb County with a high school diploma and two Technical Certificates of Credit (TCC) in Aircraft Structural Technology at Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC), a feat made possible by his hard work and a unique pathway for high school students.
Accelerated Career Diploma pathways, formerly Georgia’s High School Graduation Option B, offers a unique trajectory toward graduation. Students choose to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and a technical college credential like an associate degree, diploma, or two TCC’s.
“This has opened doors to better my future with opportunities I would not have been able to achieve especially at the age of 17 years old,” Faircloth said. “This pathway has enabled me to have opportunities that I normally wouldn’t have been able to achieve in this short amount of time. I am able to go straight to work within the career I wanted directly after high school. I’m thankful for everyone in my path that has helped me achieve my future goals.”
Faircloth, like many students who pursue this opportunity, are closely advised by faculty and the High School Initiatives team at CGTC to ensure program success. Great partnership and commitment to Faircloth and others by faculty and staff are the reason it is successful.
“Our High School Initiatives team, and everyone at Hutchings College & Career Academy and VIP Academy, are so proud of Hunter’s accomplishments,” said Kim Gunn, the CGTC Executive Director for High School Initiatives. “We hope his success propels other students to consider this opportunity. Now more than ever, our high school students have multiple pathways to earn college credit in high-demand areas that leads to educational success and great careers.”
Dr. Cassandra Washington, Executive Director of Career Technical & Agricultural Education (CTAE) in Bibb County was instrumental in promoting this option to Hunter. She, Kim Gunn and VIP Academy administration worked closely with Hunter to be sure that he met the requirements needed to complete the Accelerated Career Diploma.
Students interested in pursuing an Accelerated Career Diploma should contact their high school counselor or the Office of High School Initiatives at CGTC. Visit www.centralgatech,edu/highschool for more information.
