Wiregrass, Lowe's, and GDC Partner to Strengthen Georgia's Construction Workforce

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College celebrates $1 million Lowe's Gable Grant and mobile construction lab's impact on training programs across the state.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College (WGTC) celebrated the impact of a $1 million Lowe's Gable Grant with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Valdosta Transition Center. The grant allowed WGTC to purchase a state-of-the-art mobile construction lab that has supported a range of training initiatives, including a construction class for incarcerated individuals in partnership with the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC).

Why it matters

This partnership between Wiregrass Tech, Lowe's, and GDC aims to address Georgia's need for a skilled construction workforce by providing hands-on training opportunities, particularly for underserved populations. The mobile construction lab allows WGTC to expand its construction education programs across the state, helping to reduce recidivism and support successful reentry into the workforce.

The details

The mobile construction lab has been used for a variety of training programs, including a four-week construction class with Southern Rivers Goodwill, a one-week summer construction camp in Douglas, credit instruction at Atkinson County High School, and the three-week mobile construction class for incarcerated individuals at the Valdosta Transition Center. During the Valdosta event, participants constructed a small replica of a Lowe's storefront to surprise officials from the Lowe's Foundation and other attendees.

  • The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on February 3, 2026.
  • The three-week mobile construction class for incarcerated individuals at the Valdosta Transition Center recently concluded.

The players

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College (WGTC)

A technical college in Georgia that offers a range of career-focused programs, including construction trades.

Lowe's Foundation

The charitable arm of the home improvement retailer Lowe's, which provided a $1 million Gable Grant to WGTC.

Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)

The state agency responsible for the correctional system in Georgia, which partnered with WGTC on the mobile construction training program for incarcerated individuals.

DeAnnia Clements

President of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.

Kyle Guenther

Merchandising Vice President of the Lowe's Foundation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This generous investment through the Lowe's Gable Grant has benefited every facet of the college. The mobile lab has allowed us to expand credit-bearing construction programs for high school students, grow our mobile construction training for incarcerated individuals, and provide workforce training opportunities for youth and unemployed adults across our service area. We are deeply grateful to our partners at the Lowe's Foundation and the Georgia Department of Corrections. Together, we are strengthening construction training statewide and helping grow Georgia's economy.”

— Michael Williams, Executive Vice President of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College (valdostatoday.com)

“This program is designed to equip participants with skills that support successful reentry into the workforce upon release, particularly in high-demand construction-related industries.”

— Dr. Jodi Ford, Director of Career, Technical, and Higher Education with the Georgia Department of Corrections (valdostatoday.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This partnership between Wiregrass Tech, Lowe's, and the Georgia Department of Corrections demonstrates the power of collaboration to address workforce development needs and support successful reentry for incarcerated individuals, ultimately strengthening Georgia's construction industry and economy.