West Georgia Technical College Celebrates Project Kick-Off for Microsoft Datacenter Academy Mock Lab Facility
Representatives from WGTC and Microsoft held a project kick-off to mark the beginning of construction on the new Microsoft Datacenter Academy Mock Lab Facility at WGTC’s Douglas Campus.
DOUGLASVILLE, GA – West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) hosted a Project Kick-Off event at its Douglas Campus to mark the beginning of construction on the new Microsoft Datacenter Academy Mock Lab Facility. The event brought together WGTC leadership, Microsoft representatives, community leaders, and other key stakeholders to celebrate the next step in a partnership designed to expand access to high-demand technology education in West Georgia.
The Microsoft Datacenter Academy serves as a hands-on training hub designed to prepare students for datacenter technician roles and careers spanning cloud computing and network or data management. The new mock lab facility, expected to be completed in March, will feature state-of-the-art equipment and real-world lab environments that mirror the operations of professional datacenters. A formal ribbon cutting and grand opening will be scheduled upon completion.
“This is a tremendous milestone for both West Georgia Technical College and our region,” said WGTC President Dr. Julie Post. “The Microsoft Datacenter Academy represents the future of technical education—where students gain hands-on experience with industry technology and earn certifications that directly translate into high-demand careers.”
Developed through a strategic partnership between WGTC and Microsoft, the academy and its new lab facility offer a curriculum aligned with CompTIA certifications, including A+, Server+, and Network+. These credentials equip students with essential skills for technology roles across multiple industries, supporting both local and statewide workforce needs.
West Georgia Technical College’s Datacenter Academy is part of a network of more than 30 Microsoft Datacenter Academy partners around the world. Across the Datacenter Academy program, Microsoft collaborates with local education partners to expand access to technical education and career development, creating pathways into the datacenter industry especially in the communities where Microsoft datacenters are located. The program supports local institutions through five core pillars: curriculum alignment, scholarships and financial aid, mentorship, simulation labs, and work experience.
As part of the Datacenter Academy, Microsoft provides scholarship opportunities for eligible students. Covering tuition, books, fees, and certification testing costs, the program ensures access to quality education for aspiring IT professionals—helping remove financial barriers to success.
“We are proud to partner with Microsoft to bring this opportunity to our students,” said Brittney Wells, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at WGTC. “The Microsoft Datacenter Academy will empower students with the skills and credentials needed to thrive in today’s digital economy, while also strengthening our region’s workforce.”
For more information about scholarship opportunities and the Microsoft Datacenter Academy at West Georgia Technical College, please contact Tara Shackleford at tara.shackleford@westgatech.edu
West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers more than 120 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is one of the largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges. For more information, please visit www.westgatech.edu.
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.
