Warner Robins, Ga. — Georgia Governor Brian Kemp recently named Will Vinson as one of the state’s most talented high school students, recognizing him as the Dual Achievement Program (DAP) Student of the Year during the 2025 Governor’s Workforce Summit Awards in Atlanta.
Vinson is a standout student of the CGTC Academy, a high school housed in and operated by Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC). The Academy administers the Dual Achievement Program, established by Georgia SB204 in 2021, to provide qualified students with an alternative and recognized pathway to meet high school graduation requirements. Through this innovative program, students can simultaneously earn a high school diploma while completing technical certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees in high-demand career fields.
“I was ok in my previous high school, I just didn’t enjoy it”, said Vinson. “I was looking for a way to get into the field, get into a career, I found the CGTC Academy. It helped me to get all my education for certification in a field that I enjoyed working in and plan to work in for my career.”
Vinson, who is currently pursuing credentials in Diesel Equipment Technology, has excelled in this unique learning model, combining academic achievement with hands-on technical training that prepares him for a successful career in Georgia’s growing workforce.
Governor Brian Kemp and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) presented the honor during a ceremony at the Georgia World Congress Center, celebrating exceptional accomplishments in workforce development, strategic partnerships, and student success statewide.
“Georgia has been ranked the No. 1 State for Business for the last 12 years thanks to the work of our dedicated educators, workforce partners, and students who are stepping up to prepare for high-demand careers,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “The winners recognized today are helping to drive this state’s economic success by ensuring businesses have the workforce they need to excel and hardworking Georgians have opportunities to prosper. I am proud to congratulate them on this achievement and grateful for their work to keep Georgia the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
The Governor’s Workforce Summit brought together more than 1,000 educators, industry leaders, and government officials to promote workforce innovation and highlight partnerships advancing Governor Kemp’s “Top State for Talent” initiative.
TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier emphasized the importance of this recognition:
“Every one of these honorees is helping fuel Governor Kemp’s vision for Georgia to be the Top State for Talent,” said Dozier. “By connecting students to meaningful career pathways and strengthening partnerships between education and industry, they are building the workforce that keeps Georgia’s economy growing. We are proud to celebrate their leadership, innovation, and dedication to student success.”
CGTC Academy executive director and principal, LaKeitha Gordon, praised Vinson’s accomplishment as a reflection of the College’s mission and the impact the Academy hopes to achieve in its service area.
“Will’s success embodies what we strive for at CGTC, empowering students to find purpose, build skills, and achieve excellence,” said Gordon. “Through the Dual Achievement Program, students like Will are not only completing high school, but also gaining the technical expertise needed to shape Georgia’s workforce.”
Vinson’s recognition as the Dual Achievement Program Student of the Year underscores the transformative opportunities created by partnerships between education, industry, and state leadership and highlights CGTC’s ongoing commitment to building Georgia’s next generation of skilled professionals.
About Central Georgia Technical College
As one of the largest two-year colleges in the state, CGTC operates three campuses and five centers throughout central Georgia, serving more than 30,000 individuals annually. CGTC is focused on connecting graduates to careers by offering quality education services, assuring a well -qualified workforce to support a healthy local economy. CGTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. For more information about CGTC, visit www.centralgatech.edu. Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/centralgatech), X (@CGTC), and Instagram (@centralgatech).