State leaders in Georgia have taken a number of steps to support student success after high school graduation. To make it easier for high school students to continue their education in college, state leaders have aligned high school diplomas to college entrance requirements, Georgia leaders have aligned high school diplomas to college entrance requirements ensuring that all graduates who earn a diploma have the opportunity to apply to the state’s flagship university, the University of Georgia. In 2023, the state launched “GEORGIA MATCH,” one of the largest state-run direct admissions initiatives in the nation which automatically admits high school seniors to participating state colleges and technical schools to expand access to postsecondary opportunities.
The state has also taken steps to support workforce readiness and work-based learning (WBL) through initiatives like the GeorgiaBEST@School program, which provides educators with resources to engage students in meaningful conversations about workforce preparation—including students as young as prekindergarten. To further advance this work, state leaders help facilitate partnerships with businesses and technical colleges that give students WBL opportunities aligned with industry needs.
Additionally, Georgia has developed exemplary guidance for the implementation of WBL, including a robust rubric for evaluating these programs across the state’s 24 standards. This guidance clearly articulates how programs can meet or exceed state expectations and provide students with opportunities to earn credit towards graduation.
To build on these efforts, state leaders in Georgia could expand the state’s existing seat time flexibility policy, enabling school systems to award students credit toward graduation based on demonstrations of proficiency. State leaders could also consider developing a state Portrait of a Graduate that reflects the real-world competencies every high school graduate needs to thrive in the workforce and world.
