West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, May 20, to celebrate the opening of the Microsoft Datacenter Academy, a state-of-the-art training facility designed to equip students with the skills needed to succeed in today’s fast-growing technology economy.
Located on WGTC’s Douglasville campus, the academy represents a significant investment in workforce development, aligning education with the evolving demands of industries powered by cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure.
Datacenters serve as the backbone of the modern economy, supporting everything from streaming and logistics to healthcare and advanced technologies. As demand for these services continues to grow, so does the need for a highly skilled workforce capable of building, operating, and maintaining this critical infrastructure.
“At West Georgia Technical College, we are focused on preparing students for meaningful, high-demand careers that drive both individual success and regional growth,” said Dr. Julie Post, President of West Georgia Technical College. “As a college powered by partnerships, we are grateful for Microsoft’s support through the Datacenter Academy, which reflects our commitment to innovation, hands-on learning, and ensuring that our graduates are ready to meet the needs of today’s workforce.”
The Microsoft Datacenter Academy at WGTC offers industry-aligned curriculum, immersive lab experiences, and opportunities for students to gain real-world exposure to careers in IT, networking, cybersecurity, and datacenter operations. Through this initiative, students are positioned to pursue certifications and career pathways that connect directly to in-demand roles across Georgia and beyond.
The academy is part of a global network of Microsoft Datacenter Academy programs that collaborate with educational institutions to expand access to technical training and career opportunities. These programs are designed to strengthen local workforce pipelines and expand pathways into the technology sector for students across diverse communities.
“Microsoft is proud to support the Microsoft Datacenter Academy at West Georgia Technical College by providing a new datacenter training lab that supports students pursuing datacenter and IT career pathways in Douglasville and the surrounding community,” said Bowen Wallace, Corporate Vice President, Americas. “This training lab provides students with immersive, hands-on access to industry equipment and underscores our shared commitment to building a strong local talent pipeline for high-demand careers in today’s digital economy.”
Jon McKenley, Senior Community Affairs Manager, shared, “It has been incredibly rewarding to partner with West Georgia Technical College on this new training space. This investment opens doors for students to pursue careers in datacenters and other IT career opportunities while helping strengthen the future workforce in our region.”
Students participating in the program benefit from mentorship opportunities, access to industry insights, and pathways that lead to meaningful careers in technology. The academy reflects WGTC’s continued focus on delivering education that is both relevant and responsive to workforce needs.
For more information about West Georgia Technical College, visit West Georgia Technical College.
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About West Georgia Technical College
West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, is a leading provider of technical education and workforce development in the region. The college offers more than 120 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs designed to prepare students for careers in high-demand industries. With a focus on hands-on training, industry alignment, and student success, WGTC plays a critical role in strengthening Georgia’s workforce and supporting regional economic growth.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
