The Academy for Innovation in Medicine (AIM), a tuition-free public charter school, today announced that the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia (SCSC) Board of Commissioners approved its charter petition in its August board meeting, enabling AIM to open Georgia’s first dedicated Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) Middle and High School in metro Atlanta in 2026. In its first year, AIM will enroll 260 students entering 6^th and 9^th grades, eventually growing to serve 870 students across grades 6 - 12 who are passionate about pursuing careers in healthcare. 

"The approval of the SCSC allows us to welcome students from Atlanta Public Schools and Cobb, Clayton, DeKalb, and Fulton Counties who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare and in need of high-quality public education options,” said Dr. Kristy Beam, lead founder of AIM. “With the Academy for Innovation in Medicine, we’ve reimagined education — giving students hands-on experiences in professional environments and equipping them for success in the healthcare field. This model isn’t just different; it’s life-changing.

AIM, in collaboration with Grady Health System, and in partnership with redefinED atlanta as the seed funder of the school, has created an innovative education model that integrates robust and rigorous STEMM coursework, dual enrollment college credits, and immersive work-based learning at the partner institutions. AIM students will earn an associate degree and industry-valued career credentials while also earning a high school diploma, positioning them for success in both higher education and immediate employment opportunities.

Students at AIM will experience:

• A robust curriculum aligned with healthcare industry standards.

• Partnerships with Grady Health System, a leading healthcare institution, providing real-world experience and mentorship opportunities.

• The opportunity to earn an associate degree alongside their high school diploma at no cost to the student or their families.

• The ability to enter the workforce part-time as skilled professionals after 10th grade while completing their diploma.

• A direct pathway to high-demand careers in medicine, research, and healthcare technology. 

AIM’s mission is to foster the next generation of healthcare professionals by providing an accessible, high-quality education that prepares students for both college and careers. According to the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Georgia has 40,000 openings in the healthcare industry and experts expect this gap to grow to 100,000 by 2030. AIM will directly address this workforce shortage by equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to fill these critical roles.

“We are tremendously excited to be a partner in this new concept in public education,” said Dr. Yolanda Wimberly, chief health outcomes officer of Grady Health System. "Through practical healthcare experiences and community collaboration, we're not only setting students up for success but also playing a part in alleviating the workforce shortage."

In addition to addressing the healthcare industry's need for more skilled talent, these healthcare jobs provide the students with a clearer path to economic mobility even without obtaining a four-year degree. AIM expects that 80% of graduates will earn a living wage ($26.28 per hour) within one year of graduation, according to the MIT living wage calculator for an adult living in Atlanta. AIM’s starting pathways include Paramedicine, Health Information Management, and Practical Nursing, all with average starting salaries over $50,000 in metro Atlanta. Students will gain work experience with Grady Health System, the school’s priority hiring partner, setting them up for full-time positions and advancement.  

Prospective students and families are encouraged to visit www.AIMgeorgia.org for more information on admissions, curriculum, and upcoming informational sessions.