On Thursday, Oct. 4, Atlanta Public Schools hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the refurbishing of the facilities at Atlanta College and Career Academy, held in honor of Dr. Michael S. Maze with E-SPLOST funds.
E-SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for Education) funding allowed Atlanta Public Schools to invest $8.4 million to make renovations that will greatly contribute to student success and allow them the opportunity to gain credentials that will support their futures with technical careers. Some of these renovations included a refurbished media center and conversion of the school gymnasium into a state-of-the-art aviation and automotive repair lab.
The building is named the Dr. Michael S. Maze Campus in honor of the late Dr. Maze, who was the director of Career, Technical and Agricultural Education programs at APS. His family described him as a “gentle giant who was very passionate about his profession as a teacher.”
The main purpose of the programs offered at Atlanta College & Career Academy is to provide students with the opportunity to graduate with credentials in technical careers prior to graduation. Transportation is provided by the District so that students can attend their regular high school for part of the day and maintain a regular schedule at both their home schools and ACCA.
APS Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring described the Atlanta College and Career Academy as a “launching pad for careers that starts right here in the Pittsburgh community”
Much thought has gone into selecting which programs will be offered, based on a formula of what jobs will be in high demand and what type of experience is needed to succeed in these fields. The 12 career technology programs offered are:
- General Automotive Technology
- Carpentry
- HVAC and Refrigeration
- Culinary Arts & Hospitality
- Recreation & Tourism
- Dental Science
- Patient Care
- Graphic Design
- Criminal Investigation
- Emergency Medical Responder
- Programming
- Cybersecurity
In addition, ACCA will offer two technical certificate programs: Infant Childcare Specialist TCC (one-year commitment) and Early College Essentials TCC (college core classes with ATC instructor), which requires two years for completion.
For more information about Atlanta College and Career Academy and the programs that are offered, visit Atlanta College and Career Academy .
