July 15, 2025—District leaders and staff celebrated the official groundbreaking for the second Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy (CITA) last week. The newest career academy will be located on the Allatoona High School campus and is scheduled to be ready for operation next year (SY 2026-27).
"After our first year, we grew from 300 applications to 669," said CITA Director Dr. Tiffany Barney about the skyrocketing interest in the first CITA located at Osborne HS. "That shows the immediate need we have for this secondary facility here at Allatoona."
"We prepared for 500 at the first CITA, and we are now exceeding those numbers," explained Cobb Schools Superintendent Chris Ragsdale. "It is incumbent upon us to provide as many paths to student success as possible. More and more students are beginning to recognize that going to college isn't required to find an awesome career and make great money."
Superintendent Ragsdale also mentioned how one teacher told him that CITA and Cobb's commitment to CTAE is causing surrounding metro districts to "catch up to us."
"We are competitive, and we want to be the best. I am very happy that we are setting the standard. With historic programs like Georgia's BEST and CITA, we want everyone to copy us because we are the best place to teach, lead, and learn!" he said with a smile.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and State Superintendent Richard Woods have also voiced their full support of Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) and its goal of preparing every graduate for life after high school. Wellstar's multi-million dollar sponsorship and long-term commitment to CITA have been nothing short of amazing for both Cobb and Wellstar.
Support for CITA is a high priority for Cobb's Board of Education, and most of the Board members were on hand to join in the groundbreaking ceremony.
"This second career academy has been a long time coming, and it's a pleasure to be here today," said Board Chair David Chastain. "When we invest in programs like CITA, we’re opening doors for students and strengthening the workforce pipeline that fuels Cobb’s economic success. CITA students graduate with real-world skills that give them a competitive edge as they enter the workforce."
"I am grateful to the taxpayers of Cobb County and their support of Ed-SPLOST to fund these amazing projects. I am looking forward to what comes up out of the ground here!" Mr. Chastain concluded.
One of CITA's first students and a member of the Academy's inaugural graduation class in 2024 was also present to give her own perspective. Helena Huebecker knew she wanted to pursue healthcare as a career, but had no idea what that meant or how to pursue it.
"That all changed when Dr. Barney came to my school when I was in eighth grade and talked about what CITA would offer. The idea of being able to earn healthcare certifications while still in high school was an opportunity I knew I could not pass up. This past year, I was drawing blood, collecting samples, and contributing to real-life research. I did not think I would be doing such important work in my first year of college, and that's all because of CITA," Helena said to applause.
"I have grown so much as an individual, and this has honestly been one of the most transformative experiences of my life; it's something I will carry with me forever. And I owe that to Cobb County Schools and adults like you," Helena told the assembled crowd of nearly 100 with sincere appreciation.
"This is not possible without each and every one of you," Dr. Barney said in agreement. "Whether you're a leader in the county, a business partner, a sponsor, serve on an advisory committee, or whatever role you play, we need and appreciate you so much. Thank you for your continued support!"
