The Muscogee County School District is a Future Focused Workforce Partner

Columbus, Georgia is served by the Muscogee County School District (MCSD) with more than 50 schools and an enrollment of over 30,000 students, MCSD is one of the largest school systems in the state. 

Boasting a four-year high school graduation rate over 96% and with nearly 91% of 12th grade students accelerated learning credits, MCSD students graduate ready to strengthen local companies.

With a staff of more than 5,500 dedicated professionals, MCSD provides a wealth of opportunities and pathways for its students to reach their full potential while contributing to the economic vitality of the region and state alike. The district has a robust magnet program spread across its elementary, middle and high schools culminating with students earning accredited technical certifications in a wide variety of disciplines and career fields. High school students have the ability to participate in work-based learning with local employers of all sizes, apprenticeship programs, and earn dual-enrollment credit with multiple universities and Columbus Technical College (Dual Enrollment – Columbus Technical College) . The crown jewel of a flourishing Career, Technical, and Agricultural (CTAE) program is the nation’s oldest vocational school. 

CTAE & Success Ready

Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE)

The Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Department is the unit within the school district that sits at the intersection between K-12 education and workforce development. ​ With the support of strategic partners, our comprehensive Pre-K through 12th-grade “School-to-Work Continuum” strategy is aimed at cultivating a skilled workforce. ​

For more information on CTAE opportunities with MCSD, please contact: ​

Dr. Victoria Thomas, Senior Director, Career, Technical & Agricultural Education ​• thomas.victoria.m@muscogee.k12.ga.us ​

High School CTAE Pathways ​

High school CTAE pathways are three-course sequences within 14 career clusters, designed to prepare students for college, industry certification, or the military. ​ These pathways cover diverse fields like Architecture, Digital Technology, Healthcare, Engineering, Healthcare, and Manufacturing, allowing students to earn industry-recognized credentials, college credit through dual enrollment, and engage in work-based learning with local employers. ​

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Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) ​

A career and technical student organization (CTSO) is a co-curricular organization for students in CTAE programs. ​ CTSOs enhance students' occupational, employability, and leadership skills through various activities such as conferences, award programs, service projects, and competitive events. ​ These organizations conduct activities and events at the local, state, and national levels in which students can participate and compete. ​

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Jordan Vocational High School College & Career Academy

Founded in 1906, the Jordan Vocational High School College & Career Academy was the first school in the nation to combine vocational and academic courses in a public school system. This tradition of preparing students for careers is demonstrated in its CTAE Magnet Program training students in heavy equipment operation, mechatronics, healthcare, culinary arts, automotive, welding, electrical, drafting, teaching and JROTC. This can be paired with dual enrollment programs where students can earn college credit. 

Students can also be placed with an employer in their career pathway through a Work-Based Learning program. Students can earn high school credit and real-world experience through internships, mentoring and apprenticeship programs. 

Teacher Externship Program

We’re strengthening our pipeline of qualified teachers through programs like the Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (GaTAPP) - an 18 month to three-year program where future teachers are embedded in the classroom for job training (ideal for people with a degree who want to transition into teaching).

Columbus State University’s Intern to Teacher Program is meeting the need for teachers as well. They put teaching students in the classroom prior to graduation under the supervision of a Mentor Teacher.

Our partners are connecting with teachers as well. Georgia Power, for example, offers a Teacher Externship that brings together CTAE instructors, counselors, and other educators to gain first-hand experience in various roles across Georgia Power’s operations.