The Georgia Department of Education today launched a Top State for Talent map highlighting pockets of innovation and strong education/industry partnerships aligned with high-demand careers across the state.

The map spotlights areas of excellence and shows where students are gaining strong, hands-on experience through regional work-based learning and Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) pathways. It's aligned with the Top State for Talent initiative led by Governor Brian Kemp, which brings together state agencies to ensure every part of the talent pipeline is working together to prepare Georgians for opportunity.

"Across the state of Georgia, we are aligned in the pursuit of preparing all students to access high-demand careers," State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. "The new Top State for Talent map shines a light on strong partnerships school districts are building with industry, ultimately allowing graduates of our public schools to participate in stronger local economies. It's our hope that this resource will inspire continued innovation in all corners of the state."

The map is designed to showcase strong alignment between education and industry that is preparing students well for high-demand careers, ultimately lifting up best practices to encourage similar partnerships across the state.

"Businesses across the state are investing in robust partnerships with their education partners, opening doors for students to gain hands-on experience in the workplace," said Chris Clark, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber. "Work-based learning, apprenticeships, internships, and other experiential learning programs are integral to better preparing our next generation and supporting career advancement. The Top State for Talent map highlights current successes in our state and provides strong examples for other businesses and communities to learn from."

The Top State for Talent map features specific industry partnerships in each region of the state, showing how students are being prepared through high-value work-based learning and hands-on Career Pathways. One of those industry partners is Kubota, which provides work-based learning opportunities for students in the Georgia Mountains Economic Development Region.

"Kubota is proud to partner with Georgia's schools to give students meaningful, hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to high-demand careers," Kubota Talent Acquisition Specialist Cole Kaminski said. "The Top State for Talent map showcases the power of these partnerships and the bright future being built across our state."

Part of Georgia's Career Pipeline, which highlights the skills and training offered through Georgia's K-12 public schools, the Top State for Talent map also lifts up the stories of students who have benefited from work-based learning and CTAE, turning learning into real-world opportunities.

One of those stories is Crista Alarcon Suarez's. A 2026 graduate of Starr's Mill High School in Fayette County Public Schools, Suarez participated in an internship with the U.S. Soccer Federation through work-based learning. She had the opportunity to explore event management, media operations, human resources, and communications, assisting with media operations at two major U.S. Soccer events and supporting internal communications projects.

"Being part of U.S. Soccer has only confirmed that this is the field I want to work in, where teamwork, leadership, and passion come together to create experiences that unite people," Suarez said. "I am so grateful for the work-based learning program for giving me this opportunity and helping me gain real experience that has shaped both my goals and confidence for the future."

The map highlights industry partners who are building sustainable partnerships with local school districts through collaboration on high-demand career pathways and high-quality WBL experiences. School districts can apply to be spotlighted as pockets of innovation on the Top State for Talent map.