Not every young person in District 5 is going to college — and that's perfectly fine. What's not fine is leaving them without a path forward.

Every student in our community deserves the opportunity to build a meaningful career and a stable future, whether that's through a four-year degree, a technical certification, an apprenticeship, or learning a skilled trade. Right now, too many of our young people are falling through the cracks — not because they lack talent or drive, but because we haven't given them enough options.

Macon-Bibb County already has some strong foundations to build on. The Hutchings College and Career Academy is doing important work connecting students to career pathways, and the new Innovation and Technology Academy is expanding opportunities in advanced manufacturing and robotics. WorkSource Macon-Bibb provides job training for young adults ages 16 to 24. Central Georgia Technical College partners with the county on GED programs and industry certifications in welding, industrial maintenance, and early childhood education.

But here's the truth: these programs aren't reaching enough people, and they aren't connected enough to each other. We need a commissioner who will be a bridge between our schools, our workforce programs, and our employers — someone who will hold everyone accountable for results, not just plans.

Here's what I'll fight for as your Commissioner:

Expand Access to Trades Education. I will advocate for more partnerships between our schools, Central Georgia Technical College, and local employers to create direct pipelines from the classroom to careers in healthcare, construction, manufacturing, logistics, and IT. Robins Air Force Base and our growing industrial sector need skilled workers — our young people should be first in line.

Support Apprenticeship and Earn-While-You-Learn Programs. Young people shouldn't have to choose between a paycheck and an education. I will push for expanded apprenticeship programs that let our students earn a living while gaining real-world skills and industry certifications that employers actually value.

Invest in Career Readiness Before Graduation. Career preparation should start long before a student walks across the stage. I support expanded career counseling, job shadowing, and internship opportunities in our middle and high schools so students can explore their options early and graduate with a plan — not just a diploma.

Close the Gap for Out-of-School and Disconnected Youth. Not every young person in District 5 is currently in school or employed. I will champion programs that reach the young adults who are disconnected from both — connecting them to GED programs, job training, mentorship, and wraparound services like transportation and childcare that remove barriers to their success.

I was the first in my family to graduate college. I know what it means to find your path when no one has walked it before you. I also know that college isn't the only path, and it shouldn't be treated like it is. Every young person in District 5 deserves real options and real support to build the life they want.