ALBANY - Marcario Belloso never imagined that a high school program would fast-track him to a career, but today, the Westover High School senior is thriving in his full-time job with Jance Construction. After participating in the Dougherty County School System's Connected2Careers program, Belloso has found a future in the construction industry—a path he might never have discovered in a traditional academic setting.
“It’s not just about sitting in a classroom anymore,” Belloso said. “Through Connected2Careers, I learned the skills I needed, and now I’m getting hands-on experience every day. I’m already working in my career while I’m still in high school.”
His journey represents a crucial component of the Dougherty County School System’s second Strategic Plan Priority: Academic Rigor and Relevance. As students like Belloso and Daisy Alba, a healthcare pathway student now working part-time at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, demonstrate, the district is reshaping what education means by aligning learning with real-world opportunities. This emphasis on relevance allows students to envision a future tailored to their strengths and interests—whether it leads to college, technical certification, or direct entry into the workforce.
Central to the Dougherty County School System’s mission is improving performance across the College and Career Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI). This measure, essentially a school district’s report card, is made up of several key components: Content Mastery, Progress, Closing the Gaps, Readiness, and for high schools, Graduation Rate. Each of these factors is vital in determining how well students are being prepared for success beyond graduation.
For years, Dougherty County lagged behind some of their peers across the state in Content Mastery, a measure of how well students grasp the core material in subjects like math, science, and English. The pandemic only exacerbated this challenge, as students nationwide faced setbacks in academic growth. A 2021 study by McKinsey & Company found that on average, students lost five months of learning in mathematics and four months in reading due to COVID-19 school closures. The long-term impact of this learning loss could reduce lifetime earnings and widen socio-economic disparities if not addressed.
Recognizing the urgency, DCSS officials took swift action. The district implemented new Units of Study to elevate academic rigor across all grade levels, focusing on deeper understanding and application of key concepts rather than rote memorization. This initiative was paired with a range of targeted supports designed to help students catch up and excel.
The district’s multifaceted response to pandemic-related learning loss included several programs aimed at accelerating learning and boosting content mastery. The RACE to Learn Summer Programs, Targeted After-School Tutoring, and Enhanced Saturday School provided intensive academic support for students needing extra help.
Moreover, investments in technology, including the adoption of Tutor.com and AI-based educational tools, have offered students personalized learning experiences that address gaps in real-time. These tools allow teachers to track progress more effectively and offer students the ability to practice at their own pace outside the classroom.
While boosting academic rigor was essential, the district also recognized that many students didn’t see a clear connection between traditional education and their future success. For students like Belloso and Doe, the path to success wasn’t just about passing exams—it was about finding purpose and relevance in what they were learning.
To that end, the district has invested heavily in programs that emphasize relevance. The Connected2Careers initiative, in partnership with Albany Technical College, allows students to explore high-demand career pathways and earn industry-recognized certifications before they even graduate. Whether they’re interested in construction, like Belloso, or healthcare, like Alba, students are being equipped with the skills needed to thrive in fields that are essential to the local workforce.
Alba’s experience in the healthcare pathway is a prime example of how the district is addressing gaps in the local labor market. With a shortage of healthcare workers, particularly in areas like nursing, the program connects students with the education and training needed to step into these roles immediately after high school.
“The healthcare pathway showed me that I could make a real difference,” Alba said. “Now, I’m working at Phoebe Putney, and I know this is where I want to be. I have a career that I’m proud of, and I’m just getting started.”
In addition to Connected2Careers, the district has introduced other initiatives to ensure students can find their path to success. The Dual Achievement Program, also in partnership with Albany Technical College, allows students to earn both a high school diploma and a technical certificate, providing them with a head start in their careers.
For students who have struggled in traditional academic settings, the Fresh Start Academy offers an alternative education pathway, focusing on individualized support and career readiness.
The 4C Academy also plays a crucial role, offering students specialized training in one of 13 high-demand career pathways such as engineering, healthcare, and cybersecurity—industries that are vital to the region’s economy.
As the Dougherty County School System continues to refine its approach to academic rigor and career relevance, the successes of students like Belloso and Doe highlight the district’s commitment to preparing its students for life beyond the classroom.
Through a combination of enhanced academic programs, career-focused pathways, and targeted interventions, the district is not only closing the gaps in content mastery but also ensuring that every student finds relevance in their education.
For Belloso, the future is already here. With his construction career well underway, he reflects on how far he’s come—and how the Dougherty County School System helped him get there.
“This program changed everything for me,” he said. “It gave me a future I’m excited about, and I’m just getting started.”
As more students follow in the footsteps of Belloso and Doe, it’s clear that the Dougherty County School System’s focus on Academic Rigor and Relevance is creating not just students, but future leaders and professionals ready to shape their community.