February 13, 2025 - At the February Board of Education meeting, the Board heard an exciting presentation about career readiness and Cobb's plans to build a second Career Academy (Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy or CITA). Board members were briefed on the second CITA location, slated to open at Allatoona High School in 2026.

The overwhelmingly positive response and high interest in professional preparation for industry and trade jobs from the first CITA at Osborne led to the approval of funding for a second. Student applications to CITA have nearly doubled since the Osborne Academy opened in 2020. While the open slots available each year at CITA Osborne are around 150, applications are well over 600, leaving 75% of applicants without admission to their desired career training. In addition, applications have come from every middle school in the District, confirming the strong need for a second location.

Board members also learned about the cutting-edge programs planned for the second CITA. Eleven new pathways will add to the sixteen pathways currently available at CITA at Osborne in the three pillars of Community and Healthcare Services, Emerging Technologies, and Maker Industries. 

Governor Brian Kemp has expressed his unwavering support for Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) in Georgia. "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," Governor Kemp said.

The Georgia Department of Education just released information showing that CTAE students graduate nearly 13% higher than those outside these pathways. 

"CTAE equips students with real-world skills and prepares them for lifelong success," State Superintendent Richard Woods said about the GADOE announcement. "We will continue investing in these opportunities to ensure every graduate is ready for their next step—whether that’s college, career, or the military."

Cobb Schools Post 1 Board Member Randy Scamihorn is very excited about the new possibilities the new facility will provide for Cobb's 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. Students will graduate ready for a career in AI, gaming, healthcare, robotics, and aviation, including piloting unmanned aircraft,” Mr. Scamihorn explained.

Cobb Schools continues to lead in innovation and workforce readiness. This new facility will provide students access to high-demand training designed to equip them with the skills needed for success in the workforce and higher education. Like the existing CITA campus at Osborne High School, students attending the CITA at Allatoona location will benefit from district-provided arterial transportation.

Another benefit to students and the community of multiple CITA locations is increased opportunities for business partnerships, like the long-term relationship CITA has with Wellstar Health Systems. Students leave CITA with top-notch training, real-world experience, industry certifications, and, in many cases, a job offer from established local companies like Wellstar, Cobb EMC, and Ed Voyles. Thanks to partnerships with Kennesaw State and Chattahoochee Tech, post-secondary education opportunities also exist.

CITA at Allatoona will focus on four pillars:

•    Advanced Computing
•    Aviation
•    Healthcare
•    Skilled Trades

Students will have the opportunity to explore pathways in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, game design, aviation maintenance, flight operations, unmanned aircraft systems, mechatronics, and allied health and medicine. Students will also have access to pharmacy, industrial maintenance, and manufacturing career paths. These eleven new pathways are briefly described below.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) prepares students to design and apply AI solutions to real-world problems. Students will gain experience with coding and software development by creating functional, real-world applications of AI using machine learning with an emphasis on embedded computing systems.

Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing allows students to learn how cloud computing helps users develop a global infrastructure. Students will gain an overall understanding of cloud computing, independent of specific technical roles, cloud concepts, core services, security, architecture, and support. Students will be eligible to sit for the Amazon Web Services Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification.

Game Design

Game Design allows students to learn how computer science principles are applied to create various games. Students will explore genres, modes of play, character creation, and level design. Students will be eligible to sit for the Autodesk Maya Certified User Exam and the Unity Certified Associate certifications.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing allows students to learn how automation and robotics are used to design and implement a production system. The pathway provides a working knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD), computer numerical control (CNC), robotics, computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM), programmable logic controllers (PLC), automated guided vehicles (AGV), and computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM).

Industrial Maintenance

Industrial Maintenance allows students to learn the skills necessary for mechanical maintenance personnel. The pathway provides instruction in the fundamentals of safely operating hydraulic pneumatic and pump and piping systems, electric motors, and wiring.

Mechatronics

Mechatronics allows students to explore concepts related to electronics and mechanical engineering. The pathway provides instruction on concepts of direct current, pneumatic system fundamentals, programmable logic controllers, alternating current, direct current, and piping systems.

Allied Health and Medicine

The Allied Health and Medicine pathway allows students to gain exposure to a variety of patient care services. The instructor can use the standards in this course to differentiate the experience based on the student’s career interest. Students will participate in various clinical experiences to develop a working knowledge of different allied health opportunities. After completing the Allied Health and Medicine pathway, students will be eligible to take Medical Assisting as an optional fourth-level course.

Pharmacy

The Pharmacy pathway allows students to learn the impact of pharmaceuticals on healthcare, the importance of client education, and the required safety and security settings when working with medications. Upon successful completion of the pathway, students will be eligible to sit for their Pharmacy Technician Certification.

Flight Operations

Flight Operations prepares students to understand weather patterns, navigation, and communications related to flying an aircraft. This pathway is designed for students who are potentially interested in a career as a pilot. Upon successful completion of the pathway, students will be eligible to sit for their private pilot written exam.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Unmanned Aircraft Systems prepares students to operate drones within Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Upon successful completion of the pathway, students will be eligible to sit for their Remote Pilot License (FAA Part 107 Exam).

Aviation Maintenance

Aviation Maintenance prepares students to understand the basics of aircraft maintenance, performance, and design. Students who are interested in this pathway seek to learn the foundation of aircraft repair.