The Georgia Department of Education is launching a new Work-Based Learning Diploma, providing an additional pathway to a Georgia high school diploma for students who plan to directly enter high-demand careers right after graduation.

The State Board of Education approved Superintendent Woods' recommendation to update Georgia's high school graduation requirements today, including the addition of the Work-Based Learning Diploma option. The new diploma maintains Georgia's 23-credit graduation requirement while creating a pathway for students to complete focused Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) coursework and extensive work-based learning experiences aligned to high-demand careers.

Students pursuing the Work-Based Learning Diploma will complete two High Demand CTAE or Academic Career Pathways and at least four work-based learning courses in a paid position connected to one of those pathways.

"We must continue to expand opportunities for students that align not only to their passions but also to the workforce needs of our state," State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. "This diploma is about recognizing that workforce readiness matters. We want students to graduate with meaningful experience, real skills, and a clear connection to high-demand careers."

The Work-Based Learning Diploma was developed as part of Georgia's ongoing commitment to preparing students for enrollment, employment, enlistment, or entrepreneurship after graduation. It's designed to strengthen connections between classroom learning and workforce needs while giving students opportunities to gain hands-on, intensive on-the-job experience in high-demand fields.

"As a former CTAE Director, I have watched students discover new possibilities for their futures when learning extends beyond the classroom walls," said Phenna Petty, Chair of the State Board of Education. "This diploma recognizes the hard work of students who have invested deeply in career-focused coursework and real-world learning opportunities. It sends a clear message that workforce readiness is an achievement worth celebrating and that students who graduate with this diploma have demonstrated the skills, experience, and commitment needed to succeed in high-demand careers."

Industry partners said the diploma will better connect education with workforce and community needs.

"By aligning education with real-world experience and industry need, this diploma strengthens the connection between our classrooms, our employers, and the future of our workforce," said Melonese Close, Director of Community Relations and Outreach Programs for Piedmont Columbus Regional hospital.

The pathway also supports stronger partnerships among school districts, local businesses, and industry leaders, and is intended to signal to students, families, employers, and postsecondary institutions that a graduate has demonstrated workforce readiness through both coursework and extensive real-world experience.

Additional guidance and implementation information will be shared with school districts in the coming weeks with the diploma option made available to students starting this fall.