Top State for Talent is a cross-agency initiative to transform how Georgians prepare for and access meaningful careers. Launched by Governor Kemp and supported by Superintendent Woods, this effort focuses on breaking down silos between education and workforce systems, ensuring that every Georgian has access to clear, connected, and high-value pathways developed in partnership with state agencies, employers, and regional leaders.
Top State for Talent Map
Welcome to Georgia’s Top State for Talent Map – a tool that identifies pockets of innovation aligned with high-demand careers across the state. The map highlights areas of excellence and shows where students are gaining strong, hands-on experience through CTAE pathways and regional work-based learning.
The map is aligned with the Top State for Talent initiative led by Governor Brian Kemp, which brings together state agencies to ensure every part of the talent pipeline is working together to prepare Georgians for opportunity.
Work-Based Learning Program Partners
School districts and industry partners are invited to be spotlighted as pockets of innovation based on demonstrated excellence in high-demand career pathways, strong and sustainable business and industry partnerships, student engagement in high-quality Work-Based Learning experiences, and measurable impact on regional workforce development.
To be considered for inclusion on the Top State for Talent Map, partners should submit a brief overview of their program model, current career pathways supported, number of Work-Based Learning students served in high-demand career pathways, participating counties, and any supporting media (logos, testimonials, or short videos). Submission will be reviewed for alignment to high-demand workforce needs in Georgia’s commitment to strengthening the talent pipeline statewide.
Want to be included on our Top State for Talent map? Submit your program’s information to our team.
Every Student has a Story
From internships with organizations like U.S. Soccer to hands-on career experiences with Georgia Power, these stories showcase how Georgia students are turning learning into real-world opportunities as part of the Top State for Talent initiative.
Do you have a great work-based learning student story? Share it with our team.
High Demand Career List
Georgia’s unified High Demand Career List is a tool designed to align education, training, and workforce development efforts with the needs of employers across the state. The list identifies careers that are high-demand, high-wage, and high-skill to inform educational pathways for economic success and sustainable growth.
It is a resource for all stakeholders, including students and parents, to provide meaningful insights into critical career choices. It will guide improvements in education and job training programs, increase support for training opportunities, and highlight essential careers across Georgia.
Click here to learn more about Top State for Talent and for the statewide and regional High Demand Career Lists and here for the High Demand Career List map.
GaDOE Support for Top State for Talent and High Demand Career Initiative
Based on the High Demand Career Lists, the Georgia Department of Education has developed statewide and regional lists of High Demand Career Pathways. School districts are incentivized to adopt, invest in, and promote these pathways for students through the state accountability system. The list is also a scoring factor for competitive grant opportunities related to Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education.