Economic Development News

STONECREST, Ga. (December 8, 2025) – Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) has announced the upcoming opening of its Regional Transportation Training Center (RTTC), a state-of-the-art facility designed to prepare students for high-demand careers across Georgia’s rapidly growing transportation and logistics industries. The redesigned center, set to open in early January 2026, will serve as a hub for innovation, skills training and cross-industry collaboration. Developed in...

Strengthening pathways for careers in HVAC, welding, security and digital technologies CLARKSTON, Ga. – Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) has received a grant for $100,000 for the 2025-2026 academic year as part of the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program. This latest grant and the combined $390,000 over the last several years are part of Johnson Controls’ nationwide initiative that aims to donate up to $15 million to community colleges by the end of 2026 to...

Collaboration will build workforce pipelines in logistics, operations, maintenance, mechatronics, and other high-demand fields CLARKSTON, GA — Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) has entered into a career development partnership with Georgia-Pacific, a Koch company. The collaboration underscores Georgia-Pacific’s commitment to investing in the local community, with a focus on strengthening the workforce through education and training. As part of the partnership,...

CLARKSTON, GA — High school students in DeKalb, Newton and Rockdale counties will soon have an inroad into the critical and in-demand field of cybersecurity, thanks to a $473,394 grant awarded to Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s 2023 Strategic Plan, the United States faces a lack of qualified and diverse cyber professionals. Compounding these concerns, the U.S....

CLARKSTON, GA — A $100,000 donation from Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) will put Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s (GPTC) students and programs on the road in a retrofitted trailer aimed at highlighting in-demand and highly-skilled careers in the process. AGL’s gift will fund a student-led project designed to convert a college-owned trailer into a traveling roadshow of sorts. Students from various programs, including natural gas technician, construction, plumbing, building automation...

CLARKSTON, Ga. - For the fourth consecutive year, Georgia Piedmont Technical College received a $100,000 grant as part of the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program. The funding source is earmarked for academic programs that focus on education and training in high-demand fields like air-conditioning technology, fire, security and digital disciplines. “Georgia Piedmont is beyond honored to be one of the community colleges included in the partnership program,” said GPTC...

COVINGTON, Ga. - In a time where the need for qualified, well-trained commercial truck drivers is in high demand, Tuesday's ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) range at Georgia Piedmont Technical College's Newton campus in Covington marked a pivotal moment. Dozens of supporters, partners, students, and industry leaders were in attendance, celebrating the facility and promise of opportunity for many. Supporters gather as GPTC President Tavarez Holston cuts...

CLARKSTON, Ga. - Through the generosity of donors and partners of the college, the Georgia Piedmont Technical College Foundation was able to award 37 students a total of $41,450 in financial assistance for the Fall 2024 term. Awards range from $400 - $1,050 and go a long way in helping GPTC students overcome financial obstacles that may be blocking their path from finishing school. Officials with the GPTC Foundation say there are still 22 more total scholarships to award for this semester....

CLARKSTON, Ga. - For the third time in as many months, Georgia Piedmont Technical College has been awarded a substantial grant through the National Science Foundation. The NSF’s Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity -or EPIIC- grant for $399,696 brings the total amount awarded to Georgia Piedmont through to nearly $1.75M. The “grant capacity building grant” funds are earmarked to allow GPTC to lay the groundwork for other small schools who wish to invest in grant...

CLARKSTON, Ga. - Georgia Piedmont Technical College has been recognized in three major categories for 2024 by University HQ, a resource for program rankings and higher education planning. Researchers evaluate online programs in Georgia schools that are properly accredited, while also considering the overall quality and affordability of various institutions. University HQ's proprietary ratings system includes looking at graduation rates, net price, average graduate salary, retention rate,...

CLARKSTON, Ga. – Georgia Piedmont Technical College announced today that it has earned Cognia® Accreditation. Cognia is a nonprofit organization that provides quality assurance for schools, school districts, and education service providers. The accreditation will go a long way in Georgia Piedmont providing recognized credentials for its adult learners. Cognia, formerly AdvancED, nationally recognizes districts and providers that meet rigorous standards focused on productive learning...

CLARKSTON, Ga. - To recognize generosity toward Georgia Piedmont Technical College's air conditioning technology (a.k.a. HVAC) program, the school on Monday officially named a learning space in honor of Atlanta Gas Light. Through its Foundation, the utility company donated $50,000 for GPTC to use in purchasing state-of-the-art equipment for students to gain hands-on training in the HVAC program. July 8, 2024 - GPTC faculty, staff and students are joined by officials with Atlanta Gas Light...