RCA launches new EV/Hybrid Dual Enrollment Program and new automotive student enterprise The Pit Stop

Rockdale Career Academy (RCA) celebrated the opening of its new student enterprise for car maintenance, The Pit Stop, and the new Electric Vehicle/Hybrid Vehicle Dual Enrollment program with Georgia Piedmont Technical College at RCA, with a ribbon cutting ceremony May 15, 2026. RCA CEO/Principal Dr. Corey Williams thanked the businesses and community partners such as Georgia Power, Citizens of Georgia Power, the Development Authority of Rockdale County, and Rivian for their generous donations and Georgia Piedmont Technical College and RCPS CTAE department for their support to make such programs possible. The Pit Stop student enterprise will provide car maintenance services such as oil changes and tire services while giving RCA students real-world, hands-on experience.

Rockdale County Board of Education Chairwoman Sandra Jackson-Lett announced, "We're not stopping here. We're incredibly proud to announce the launch of our Electric Vehicle and Hybrid Technology Dual Enrollment programs, a forward-thinking initiative that places Rockdale County Public Schools at the forefront of innovation."

RCPS is one of the first districts in the state to offer this program. GPTC and RCA have about 16 students enrolled for the new EV/Hybrid Dual Enrollment program for the 2026-2027 school year. Lindsey Walker, Dual Enrollment Coordinator for Rockdale County and Georgia Piedmont Technical College, said GPTC is committed to breaking down barriers for students. “Something we’re extremely passionate and excited about is the EV program coming into RCA. Hosting this program at RCA helps Dual Enrollment students with reducing barriers to taking this course, allowing them to gain those certifications before leaving high school to ensure they have the best pathway to employment on their way forward into adulthood.”

Community partners attending the ribbon cutting ceremony included Georgia Power, Citizens of Georgia Power, GPTC, the Development Authority of Rockdale County, Conyers Mayor Connie Alsobrook, and Rockdale Soil and Water Conservation District. 

RCA Automotive Career Pathway Instructor Mark Whittaker is finishing his first year teaching at the high school level but has a decade of experience teaching and preparing students at technical colleges for careers in the automotive industry. "I'm used to career-ready programs," said Whittaker. "That's what I have focused on: the ones who are in this to make a career out of this, giving them the tools and skills to do that."

For more information about programs at Rockdale Career Academy, visit https://rca.rockdaleschools.org.