Public education in the CEC’s service area is of the highest quality and is coordinated at all levels in a way that is exemplary in the world of education. While the ultimate goal of all of the Consortium’s activities and programs is to benefit students, in so doing there are also significant benefits that accrue to parents, business and industrial employers, and the general community. Some of the benefits to each of these audiences are listed in the links that follow:

Students
As students, you should feel fortunate to have the coordinated programs of such a wide range of high quality schools and colleges available to you right in our community. Public school programs of the highest quality are offered, and the colleges and universities offer fully accredited programs that are both wide-ranging and respected. Many programs, among all of the institutions, have been recognized both regionally and nationally for excellence. All provide cutting-edge programs, with excellent faculty and facilities, to prepare you for the careers of today and tomorrow. Both day and evening programs, clubs, organizations, sports, and other extra-curricular activities are available, as is on-campus housing at the universities.

Parents
As parents of students or prospective students, you have a right to expect that the State of Georgia and the local community are providing both high quality and affordable educational opportunities. This is certainly the case with the CEC members. The HOPE Scholarship Program in Georgia ensures that every capable high school graduate has the opportunity to attend a college or university program of his/her choice. Both universities offer affordable on-campus housing for many students, and others enjoy convenient commuting from home. All of the post-secondary institutions offer both day and evening programs so that students who need to work can accommodate both school and job.

Employers
Employers consistently report that one of the most important reasons that their company located or remains in a region is the quality of education at all levels in the community. Few counties in America can boast of such a range of excellent, complementary educational institutions so conveniently accessible to serve both current and future employees of regional companies. Local high school graduates are among the best prepared in the state, while the colleges and universities offer dozens of programs and continuing professional development activities that are directly applicable to careers in business and industry. From day and evening certificate and diploma and degree programs to on-site tailored industrial programs, the colleges and universities work closely with the business and industrial community to meet your needs. A perusal of the individual websites will illustrate the richness of the offerings in our community.

The Community
The quality of life in the community is greatly enhanced by the strong presence of such a diversity of high quality educational institutions. Not only do the P-12 schools provide wonderful educational programs and extra-curricular activities for our community’s children, but the post-secondary colleges and universities offer programs, degrees, and other credentials that prepare the region’s 21st century workforce with both entry level preparation and continuing professional and personal development for success in life and career.

The CEC member schools annually conduct hundreds of events that are open to the public. These range from lectures, concerts, drama, and athletic events, to providing facilities for community use. The CEC institutions, taken together, are by far the largest employer in the community, and perhaps its greatest resource.