Southern Pines College and Career Academy (SPCCA) hosted a Topping Out Event Feb. 1 on the construction site for the new Southern Pines College and Career Academy.
One of the steel beams used in constructing the roof was presented by Dabbs Williams General Contractors and signed by the SPCCA Board Members present, Appling County Board of Education members present, Cogdell Mendrala Architects and Dabbs-Williams General Contracting. After the beam was signed, everyone toured the Coastal Pines Technical College Baxley site (where the building is being built) and returned to see the beam set in place by the contractors.
The educational opportunities provided to high school students taking dual enrollment programs at the academy will be phenomenal, said Dr. Glenn Deibert, CEO of SPCCA.
Dr. Scarlett M. Copeland, Superintendent of Appling County Schools said, “Appling County School District was proud to take the lead on this major endeavor that will greatly impact our workforce development pipeline in all four counties. SPCCA will also build capacity for economic development in rural Southeast Georgia involving all partners. We look forward to the full project becoming a reality Fall 2023.”
Jeff Davis County School Superintendent, Dr. Chris Roppe said, “We are excited about the opportunities this will bring to our students in Jeff Davis. This is a big step forward as we work with community partners to build a more prepared local workforce. Exposing our students to these types of programs benefits both our students and our local business partners as well as those in surrounding counties.”
The 11,285 square foot building will house an advanced manufacturing classroom and lab where programs such as Mechatronics Technician, Industrial Fluid Technician, Programmable Control Technician, and Industrial Systems Technology will be taught. The facility will also include a construction classroom and lab that will offer programs such as Carpentry Fundamentals, Electrical Technician, Plumbing Technician, and Masonry.
“A new, exciting educational alternative will soon be a reality for students in Appling, Bacon, Jeff Davis, and Wayne Counties. CMA is proud to have been a part of bringing this state-of-the-art occupational educational opportunity to the area,” said Casey Smith, COO of Cogdell Mendrala Architects.
If construction goes as planned, Southern Pines College and Career Academy will open in Fall of 2023.