Georgia Piedmont Technical College to start film academy program

Georgia Piedmont Technical College president Jabari Simama on Thursday discussed plans in his state of the college speech to offer several new courses, including one scheduled to start next month that offers film set training for students.

The college, he said, is working with the Georgia Film Academy on the new curriculum. Students will work on television and movie sets in the Atlanta area, Simama said. Those who successfully complete the program will earn a technical certificate.

Simama said the program is part of the college’s effort to offer courses in growing industries. He cited statistics from the governor’s office that the film industry has grown into a $6 billion annual business in Georgia.

“This is not your grandfather’s vo(cational) tech,” Simama said in his address.

The college, which has campuses in DeKalb, Morgan, Newton and Rockdale counties, is also starting a drone program and a 3D printing certificate program this summer, Simama said.

Georgia Piedmont Technical College and Clark Atlanta University announced last week they will partner on offering courses to each other schools.

About the Author

Morehouse College alum detained by ICE in Texas

Alex Maganda, a former Morehouse football player, came to the U.S. from Mexico at 5 years old, his attorney said. A hearing on his case is expected within the next two weeks.

More Georgia teachers are getting free or cheap master’s degrees. Here’s how.

With teacher turnover rates on the rise, school systems and universities are partnering in a growing effort to recruit and retain Georgia educators.

Georgia school districts prepare for cellphone ban ahead of state deadline

Metro Atlanta schools will be using lockers, pouches and the honor system to keep students from using their phones.

The Latest

Credit: Maszoliin Spencer

Morehouse College alum detained by ICE in Texas

More Georgia teachers are getting free or cheap master’s degrees. Here’s how.

Atlanta school board votes to extend superintendent’s contract

Featured

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Georgia disability rights advocates fear weakening of U.S. accessibility law

Advocates worry the Department of Energy’s move could be the start of a broader effort by other federal agencies to roll back civil rights rules.

From boycott to ballgame: Baseball’s political All-Star Game saga returns to Georgia

MLB pulled the 2021 All-Star Game from Georgia over the state's voting law, Senate Bill 202. Now it’s back — and Republicans say the return proves they were right all along.

OPINION

Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour pushes fans outside the norm

Preparations for the show pushed people out of their comfort zones — into new stores, new communities, a new style of dress, and in some cases, to visit new cities.