MADE In DeKalb Educator Fellowship Kicks Off Second Year in DeKalb County
DECATUR, GA (July 11, 2023) — DeKalb County is excited to announce the return of the MADE in DeKalb Educator Fellowship, July 17-21. This comprehensive program is designed to equip middle and high school educators in DeKalb County to prepare their students for successful careers in the advanced manufacturing and logistics industries.
MADE IN DEKALB is an abbreviation for Manufacturing, Automation, and Distribution Emerging in DeKalb, and the program’s goal is to immerse a diverse group of educators from across DeKalb County Schools in site visits at DeKalb-based companies in addition to participating in panel discussions and talks with industry leaders throughout the week. Out of an impressive pool of 50 applicants, ten exceptional DeKalb educators have been selected to participate in 2023’s fellowship program. The program will also hold collaborative meetings throughout the year as well as quarterly workforce webinars for students, parents, and other educators to gather necessary information about careers in MADE fields. Prominent brands with facilities in DeKalb, such as PepsiCo and Home Depot, use these webinars to present timely career information.
MADE IN DeKalb site visits this summer will be as follows:
• Georgia Piedmont Technical College Advanced Manufacturing Center — July 17
• Marshall’s Distribution Center — July 18
• Sugar Bowl Bakery — July 19
• Schneider National — July 20
• Electric Cities of Georgia — July 21
• Metro Atlanta Chamber and Georgia Department of Economic Development — July 21
• Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute — July 21
“DeKalb County is home to more than 500 manufacturers that offer rewarding and high-paying careers to nearly 13,000 people,” said Randi Mason, Vice President of Economic Development
with Decide DeKalb. “MADE In DeKalb is dedicated to equipping our students with the skills they need for exciting careers by establishing a robust career pipeline, ensuring that students are ready for careers and companies in DeKalb County have access to a talented pool of individuals ready to contribute to their success.”
Throughout the year-long fellowship program, participating educators will enhance their teaching skills and develop industry-specific knowledge through specialized training sessions and workshops. By staying current with the latest advancements and best practices in advanced manufacturing and logistics, DeKalb’s teachers will be able to provide their students with valuable insights and practical skills aligned with the demands of these industries.
“The MADE In DeKalb Educator Fellowship provides an invaluable opportunity for our educators to acquire industry knowledge that enhances classroom instruction,” said Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Board Chair of the DeKalb County Board of Education. “By connecting educators with valuable resources and industry connections, we ensure that our DeKalb scholars are exposed to the tools and experiences necessary for their success in both their future careers and the real world.”
As DeKalb County’s manufacturing and logistics sector continues to grow, the MADE In DeKalb Educator Fellowship represents a significant investment in DeKalb’s future workforce. By providing educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need, this program ensures that students have the required skill sets to pursue a wide range of high-paying career opportunities.
In addition to the participating companies, MADE In DeKalb is made possible through collaboration with WorkSource DeKalb.