By Ben H. Easterling, CPTC Foundation Trustee
One of the most important investments a community can make is in education and workforce development. In Camden County, Coastal Pines Technical College continues to demonstrate the tremendous impact that technical education can have on students, families, local businesses, and our economy.
This year alone, the Coastal Pines Technical College Foundation Scholarship Committee has awarded nearly $50,000 in scholarships to Camden County students pursuing certificates, diplomas, and technical degrees. These scholarships help remove financial barriers and provide opportunities for students who are seeking to improve their skills, enter a new career field, or advance in their current profession.
Equally impressive is the continued growth of Coastal Pines' Dual Enrollment program in partnership with Camden County School System. Camden County leads the college's service area with over 900 dual enrollment students annually, allowing high school students to earn college credit while simultaneously completing their high school education. For many families, dual enrollment provides a significant head start toward a college credential while reducing future education costs.
The success of these students reflects the broader mission of Coastal Pines Technical College. Serving a 13-county region across Southeast Georgia, Coastal Pines offers more than 130 programs in high-demand career fields including healthcare, nursing, business, information technology, public safety, advanced manufacturing, welding, logistics, construction trades, and commercial transportation. The college operates multiple campuses throughout the region, including its growing Camden Campus in Kingsland.
What makes Coastal Pines unique is its focus on workforce-ready education. Students can earn industry-recognized credentials, certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees in programs designed to meet the needs of local employers. Whether a student is pursuing a career in healthcare, entering the skilled trades, or seeking to upgrade professional skills, Coastal Pines provides practical training that leads directly to employment opportunities. The college also works closely with local industries and economic development organizations to ensure that programs align with current and future workforce demands.
The Foundation plays a critical role in supporting this mission. Through scholarships, grants, and donor-funded initiatives, the Foundation helps students overcome financial challenges that might otherwise prevent them from completing their education. Foundation funding supports tuition assistance, student success initiatives, dual enrollment programs, and workforce training opportunities throughout the college's service area.
For Camden County, the benefits extend far beyond the classroom. Every student who earns a credential through Coastal Pines represents a stronger local workforce, higher earning potential for families, and a more attractive environment for businesses considering investment in our community. Technical education is not simply about preparing students for jobs; it is about creating pathways to economic mobility and strengthening the long-term prosperity of our region.
As a trustee of Coastal Pines Technical College Foundation, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication of the faculty, staff, Foundation volunteers, and community partners who work tirelessly to support student success. Their efforts are helping transform lives every day.
The nearly $50,000 awarded in scholarships and the over 900 Camden County dual enrollment students, coupled with almost 300 Camden traditional students in academic year 2026, represent more than numbers. They represent opportunities created, careers launched, and futures changed. They are tangible examples of why Coastal Pines Technical College remains one of the most important educational and economic development assets in Southeast Georgia.
As our community continues to grow, supporting technical education and workforce development will be essential to ensuring that Camden County remains a place where students can learn, businesses can thrive, and families can build successful futures.
Ben H. Easterling serves as a Trustee for Coastal Pines Technical College Foundation and is a member of the Camden County Joint Development Authority