Cobb Reporter

The Cobb County Board of Education has announced plans to open a second Career Academy at Allatoona High School in 2026. The new facility, known as the Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy (CITA), aims to address the growing demand for professional preparation in industry and trade jobs.

Since the first CITA opened at Osborne High School in 2020, student applications have nearly doubled. With only about 150 slots available annually, more than 600 applications are received each year, leaving many students without access to their desired career training. This high demand has prompted the decision to establish a second location.

At the recent board meeting, members were briefed on the programs planned for the new academy. Eleven new pathways will be added to the existing sixteen at Osborne's CITA, focusing on Community and Healthcare Services, Emerging Technologies, and Maker Industries.

Governor Brian Kemp has shown strong support for Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) in Georgia. He stated, "Communities all across Georgia are continuing to see record-breaking job growth, and preparing Georgians to seize those opportunities is critical to our continued success."

The Georgia Department of Education reports that CTAE students graduate nearly 13% higher than their peers outside these pathways. State Superintendent Richard Woods emphasized the importance of CTAE by saying, "CTAE equips students with real-world skills and prepares them for lifelong success."

Randy Scamihorn from Cobb Schools Post 1 expressed enthusiasm about the new facility's potential benefits for students. “Thanks to more Cobb students asking for hands-on experiences and earning certifications while still in high school, I couldn’t be more excited for CITA at Allatoona High School," he said.

Cobb Schools continue their commitment to innovation and workforce readiness by providing students with access to high-demand training designed for success in both higher education and the workforce. Like its predecessor at Osborne High School, CITA at Allatoona will offer district-provided transportation.

Multiple CITA locations increase opportunities for business partnerships with companies like Wellstar Health Systems. Students gain real-world experience and often receive job offers from local companies such as Wellstar, Cobb EMC, and Ed Voyles. Partnerships with Kennesaw State University and Chattahoochee Tech also provide post-secondary education opportunities.

The second CITA will focus on four pillars: Advanced Computing, Aviation, Healthcare, and Skilled Trades. Students can explore emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, game design, aviation maintenance, flight operations, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), mechatronics, allied health and medicine.

Each pathway offers specialized training aimed at equipping students with industry-relevant skills:

- AI focuses on designing solutions using machine learning.

- Cloud Computing covers global infrastructure development.

- Game Design involves computer science principles applied in gaming.

- Manufacturing teaches automation through robotics.

- Industrial Maintenance covers mechanical maintenance skills.

- Mechatronics combines electronics with mechanical engineering concepts.

- Allied Health provides exposure to patient care services.

- Pharmacy focuses on pharmaceuticals' impact on healthcare.

- Flight Operations teaches navigation related to flying aircraft.

- UAS trains students under FAA regulations.

- Aviation Maintenance covers aircraft repair fundamentals.