News Summary
Chattooga County, Georgia, has joined the statewide Georgia FLEX program focused on fostering entrepreneurship and leadership among high school students. The program will commence with collaborative workshops aimed at enhancing local initiatives, allowing students to start real businesses while developing essential soft skills. Expected to impact the community positively, the initiative seeks to foster collaboration between youth and local business leaders, empowering students to shape their futures and contribute to the local economy.
Chattooga County, Georgia has officially joined the 2025–2026 Georgia FLEX (Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurial Experience) program, which aims to empower high school students in entrepreneurship and leadership. This statewide initiative encourages students to cultivate entrepreneurial skills, prepare for future careers, and take on leadership roles within their communities.
The FLEX program will kick off this fall, with Chattooga County participating actively in a series of collaborative training workshops designed to enhance local program initiatives. Attendees at the recent 2025 FLEX Implementation Workshop included Cindy Rivers McGraw, the Executive Director of the Chattooga Chamber, who emphasized the importance of early engagement in developing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Program Goals and Structure
The Georgia FLEX program provides students with the opportunity to start real businesses while gaining valuable mentorship experiences. Throughout the program, students will engage in activities that involve identifying problems within their communities, crafting innovative solutions, and pitching their business ideas to potential investors and consumers.
Moreover, FLEX is designed not just to educate students about business mechanics but also to build essential soft skills. Students will enhance their confidence, master communication techniques, and develop a deeper understanding of their local economies, preparing them for successful futures beyond high school.
Benefits for Local Communities
FLEX encourages collaboration between local youth and business leaders, fostering a sense of community involvement and support. This partnership is expected to positively impact Chattooga County’s overall economic landscape by nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among young residents.
Melissa Dark, the Executive Director of Georgia FLEX, points out that the program is about providing students with tools and strategies that help them excel, preparing them not only for careers but for potential leadership roles as well. The anticipation surrounding the inaugural year of the FLEX program in Chattooga County is palpable, with community members eager to witness the creativity and drive the students will bring forth.
Looking Ahead
The Chattooga Chamber is spearheading the initiative in conjunction with school and community partners to ensure a successful program rollout. As schools and local businesses work closely together, they expect the implementation of the FLEX program to yield promising outcomes, both for individual participants and for the community as a whole.
As preparations are underway for the launch of the 2025–2026 Georgia FLEX program, Chattooga County aims to spark the entrepreneurial spirit in high school students, encouraging them to take initiative and help shape their futures, as well as the economic future of their community.
For those interested in learning more about the program, a promotional video is available online, showcasing the potential of the FLEX experience for the students and the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AllOnGeorgia: Chattooga County Chamber Launches 2025-2026 Georgia FLEX Program
- WSBTV: Georgia School Districts Moving to Virtual Learning
- AllOnGeorgia: Chattooga CTAE Students to Showcase Talents
- Fox5 Atlanta: Local Business News Overview
- Times Free Press: Growth and Taxes in Chattooga County
- Wikipedia: Entrepreneurship
- Google Search: Student Entrepreneurship
- Google Scholar: Entrepreneurship Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Entrepreneur
- Google News: Georgia Education Entrepreneurship
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AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
