Cumberland Academy of Georgia, a school for students with special needs located in Atlanta, Georgia, is launching a career and college preparation program called Creating Futures. In the past, the school has only had a program to assist seniors for their next step after they leave Cumberland; however, this new program will begin once students enter eighth grade. The main focus of Creating Futures will be to help students build their resumes and develop life skills that will help them in whatever they choose to do after they graduate, whether that is work or school.

Once students enter high school, they will be encouraged to begin volunteering or working part time positions. Cumberland Academy already has several partners within the community that work with students. The school plans to develop even more community partnerships in the next couple of years, so students can be employed at establishments they are interested in. In addition, Creating Futures will supply parents with information on available government services that can help assist their child in the future.

"Creating Futures is such an important program. We want to provide our students with every opportunity we can, so their futures can be as bright as they are," says Debbi Scarborough, headmaster and founding director of Cumberland Academy of Georgia. "We are looking forward to seeing where this program goes."

To kick off Creating Futures, Cumberland Academy will host a college and career fair on October 30, 2018 at 1:30 PM. Representatives from all over the state will be attending including Beacon College, Georgia College and State University, Kennesaw State University, the Tommy Nobis Center, Gwinnett Technical College, Georgia Tech, YMCA, and more.