TIFTON, GA — Tift County Schools is proud to announce an expanded Dual Enrollment partnership with Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) designed to expand opportunities for Tift County High School students in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) pathways.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to expanding opportunities for students beyond the traditional classroom,” said Natalie Gore, Superintendent of Tift County Schools. “By providing access to college-level coursework and meaningful career experiences, we are ensuring our students graduate with both the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a competitive, ever-changing workforce.”
This innovative partnership will provide eligible 11th and 12th grade students at Tift County High School access to college-level coursework while simultaneously participating in Work-Based Learning (WBL). The program is designed to strengthen connections between academic learning and real-world career experiences, particularly in agriculture and agribusiness fields.
“This collaboration with ABAC strengthens our CTAE pathways by aligning classroom instruction with real-world applications,” said Donald Gilman, CTAE Director for Tift County Schools. “Students will not only gain college credit, but also hands-on experience in high-demand agricultural fields that are vital to our local and regional economy.”
ABAC instructors will deliver courses directly on the Tift County High School campus, ensuring students have access to rigorous, college-aligned instruction without leaving their home school. Students will earn college credit upon successful completion of coursework, giving them a head start on postsecondary education.
“We are excited to offer our students an opportunity that truly bridges high school, college, and career,” said Jennifer Johnson, Principal of Tift County High School. “This program allows students to remain connected to their school community while engaging in rigorous coursework and work-based learning experiences that will shape their future.”
“This collaboration with Tift County Schools is exactly the kind of forward-thinking partnership needed to strengthen the pipeline of future agricultural leaders. Through dual enrollment agriculture courses, students are not only gaining early college experience, but also positioning themselves for a seamless transition into ABAC’s School of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This is a strategic investment in our students, our communities, and the long-term vitality of the agricultural industry. This is a great step in showcasing All Agricultural Roads Lead to ABAC,” said, Dr. Andrew Thoron, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Beginning in the fall semester, students will have the opportunity to enroll in Introduction to Animal Science, followed by Introduction to Agricultural Business Management in the spring. These courses are intentionally scheduled to allow students to participate in Work-Based Learning throughout the week, supporting both academic and career readiness.
In addition to classroom instruction, ABAC will collaborate with Tift County Schools to identify and support work-based learning opportunities aligned to agriculture and related career pathways. Students will gain valuable hands-on experience through internships or employment opportunities, reinforcing classroom learning with practical application.
“This partnership is a direct reflection of our district’s commitment to high-impact instruction and real-world relevance,” said Jennifer Howell, Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for Tift County Schools. “By intentionally aligning rigorous academic experiences with workforce opportunities, we are creating a system where students can apply their learning in meaningful ways while accelerating their path toward college and career readiness. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with ABAC and having instructors on our campus to eliminate barriers to provide access and opportunities to more students.”
“This initiative represents the power of expanding learning beyond the traditional classroom setting,” said Dr. Michael Slaven, Assistant Superintendent of Beyond the Core. “By integrating dual enrollment with work-based learning, we are creating flexible pathways that allow students to explore their interests, gain real-world experience, and build a strong foundation for future success.”
The program reflects Tift County Schools’ continued commitment to providing high-quality, relevant educational experiences that meet the evolving needs of students and the local workforce. The partnership will be reviewed annually to ensure effectiveness and continued alignment with district goals and student needs.
Tift County Schools is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares all students for success in college, career, and life. Through strong community partnerships and a focus on academic excellence, the district strives to create opportunities that empower every student to achieve their full potential.