The Newton College and Career Academy received a $10,000 grant on Thursday from Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle in support of the school's efforts to become a Ford PAS Next Generation Learning Community.

The grant was out of funds raised by Cagle to support college and career academies across the state. Newton County School Superintendent Gary Mathews, Career, Technical and Agricultural Education Director James Woodard, and members of the Career Academy Board of Directors were on hand at the State Capitol to receive the grant.

"We share the excitement that this opportunity brings the Newton College and Career Academy," said Woodard.

"We in Newton County are most excited about this significant grant," added Mathews. "It will certainly facilitate the professional development that will assist our teachers in providing high-quality instruction in the new (academy)."

There are 14 communities across the nation designated as Next Generation Learning Communities. Floyd County was Georgia's first Next Generation Learning Community. They now have a system-wide graduation rate of more than 80 percent.

Next Generation Learning Communities work to create meaningful learning experiences that enable students to apply academic knowledge to real world learning experiences.

For more information contact James Woodard, at woodard.james@newton.k12.ga.us or visit the NCCA website, www.newtoncareeracademy.org.