Education

Barrow County receives Internet access services from Peachnet, the State Board of Regents fiber network dedicated to education and research. We leverage this connection by establishing K-12 outreach programs with top universities across the state as part of a long term strategy to attract, develop, and maintain a knowledge-based labor pool.

As a National K-12 Research District, Barrow County Schools maintains Direct-To-Discovery partnerships with Georgia State, Georgia Institute of Technology and University of Georgia that leverage Internet2 connectivity to bring state luminaries in fields as diverse as biomedical, industrial, and nanotechnology directly into our classrooms using HD video conferencing and remote access technologies.

Barrow County School System

The Barrow County School System has a wide array of career development core offerings. High school students can complete the Biotechnology Research and Development Career Pathway under dual enrollment with Barrow campus of Lanier Technical College. Additionally, students pursuing a Bio-Science Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree can transfer credits to other colleges in the area. Industry Certified programs receive a "stamp of excellence" indicating the apex of program quality.  Only programs that undergo rigorous reviews by leaders from business and industry are recognized with this distinction. Additional information may be found by accessing www.barrow.k12.ga.us.

Here is an abbreviated listing of programs offered at the high schools:

• Agri-science (ex: vet science, ag mechanics, horticulture)
• Business & Computer Sciences (ex: Microsoft Office applications, web design, accounting, office practices, business law)
• Construction (ex: safety, blueprints, plumbing, electrical, masonry, and carpentry)
• Education
• Engineering & Technology (ex: AutoCAD, Solidworks, robotics, production, broadcast/video)
• Family & Consumer Sciences (ex: Early Childhood, consumer education)
• Government & Public Safety (ex: police, fire, rescue, forensics, judicial system, courts, prisons)
• Healthcare Science (ex: first aid, CPR certification, medical terminology, skills, anatomy, body systems, disease, CNA certification)
• Marketing (ex: sales, promotion, market research, entrepreneurship)
• Transportation (ex: automotive diagnostic, maintenance, and repair)
• Youth Apprenticeship (11th and 12th students on work sites applying what they've learned)
• Additional information may be found by accessing www.barrow.k12.ga.us

All programs have Advisory Committees made up of business and community members with expertise in the program area.  These committee members provide valuable input and support to the teachers regarding economic trends, hiring trends, curriculum, and equipment.  THE Advisory Committees keep the CTAE programs current and focused on the needs of the community.

Lanier Technical College

Lanier Technical College, a two-year unit of the University system, is preparing students for jobs of the future, especially in the bioscience sector.  The recent announcement of an $800,000 US DOL grant to expand the Clinical Laboratory program was great news for Barrow County business leaders.  The new lab, located at the Barrow campus, will open in the fall of 2009.  At the same time, Lanier Tech is planning for a new Solar Energy program.  Development of this curriculum will prepare students to install solar energy panels, another great fit for Barrow County. For more detailed information, see www.laniertech.edu.

Tier 1 Research Universities

Emory University

Emory is home to nine major academic divisions, numerous centers for advanced study, and a host of prestigious affiliated institutions. Emory's internationally known medical school has $312 million in funded health science research and is ranked in the top 20 grant recipients from the National Institute of Health.

Georgia Institute of Technology

One of the nation's top research universities, Georgia Tech's campus occupies 400 acres in the heart of Atlanta, where more than 18,000 undergraduate and graduate students receive a focused, technology based education. Georgia Tech is consistently ranked in U.S. News and World Report's top 10 public universities in the U.S.
Visit Site

Georgia State University (GSU)

With over 27,000 graduate and undergraduate students in six colleges, Georgia State is the second largest research university in the state.
Visit Site

University of Georgia

Founded in 1785 as America's first chartered state university, UGA is the state's largest and most comprehensive higher education institution, with more than 33,000 students. Its 15 schools and colleges include veterinary and agriculture schools and emerging environmental and biological science departments.
Visit Site