A new STEM academy serving students in Houston County will help connect curiosity to careers and reinforce the need for tech-focused careers close to home.

Scheduled to open in the fall of 2027, the Houston STEM and Career Academy aims to be a hub for innovation. The Houston County School District is connecting partners across education and industry, allowing students to gain practical skills in technology, healthcare, and advanced career pathways and fueling growth for the entire region.

“When K-12 schools, colleges, and community partners plan for the same outcomes, students move faster and communities benefit,” said Elgin Mayfield, assistant superintendent of teaching and Learning.  

The Academy’s design reflects a shared-outcomes mindset. A dedicated STEM gym provides space for robotics and drone innovation, while academic areas integrate advanced mathematics, science, and technology classrooms to promote hands-on, collaborative learning.

These elements of the facility build off the foundation laid by Georgia AIM, which has funded expansions of K-12 competitive robotics teams across Middle Georgia for several years.

Fittingly, the academy will serve students from the high schools of Houston County and other school districts in the region. It is a program rather than a standalone school, so students remain rooted in their high schools and attend the academy for part of the day.  This approach allows students to still participate in the traditional high school experience while receiving cutting-edge opportunities. 

Read the full story on the Middle Georgia Innovation Corridor’s website.