By Lauren Dodson, Vice President of Economic Development – Gwinnett Technical College
At Gwinnett Technical College, our mission is simple yet powerful: to advance knowledge, enrich lives and develop workforce opportunities for the communities we serve. That mission has guided us for more than 35 years, and today it fuels our continued growth at our Alpharetta-North Fulton campus within the True North 400 district.
That vision is now moving forward with meaningful state support. Governor Kemp’s Budget Report for FY 2027 includes $2.26 million in bond funding to support the design of North Fulton Campus Building 2 at Gwinnett Technical College in Alpharetta, a significant step toward expanding the college’s capacity to serve students, employers and the broader North Fulton community.
Current Gwinnett Tech campus
This expansion represents an investment in the people and businesses that make North Fulton thrive. Our current facilities are at capacity, underscoring the incredible demand for hands-on, career-focused education. With this initial funding in place, Gwinnett Tech is better positioned to advance plans for a second instructional building and expand training capacity in high-demand fields like healthcare and information technology, two sectors vital to the region’s long-term economic vitality. The construction of a second building would also enable the college to expand its current Registered Nurse program and add additional healthcare training programs, including respiratory technician, surgical technician, MRI and X-ray technician and other in-demand health professions.
The partnership between Gwinnett Tech and True North 400 reflects our shared vision of driving innovation, preparing tomorrow’s workforce and supporting local employers. As home to more than 65,000 jobs and 3,300 businesses, the True North 400 district is a hub of economic activity and opportunity. By expanding here, we’re helping to ensure that the local workforce is equipped with the skills employers need most today and in the future.
Through programs like our Registered Apprenticeships, Customized Leadership Academies and EV Charging Technician training, students and professionals alike gain access to cutting-edge learning that translates directly into career growth and business success. Whether developing leaders through our professional development academies, offering OSHA safety training, or delivering project management and Six Sigma certifications, Gwinnett Tech continues to meet the region’s evolving needs head-on.
We’re also proud to serve as a Community Training Center for the American Heart Association, offering vital certifications that enhance community well-being and workforce readiness. And with initiatives like English as a Second Language (ESL) and continuing education programs, we’re breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for every resident to thrive in an increasingly global economy.
As Gwinnett Technical College grows alongside True North 400, we remain committed to our shared goal: building a stronger, more skilled and more connected North Fulton. The state’s investment in the design of Building 2 marks an important milestone in that effort, helping ensure that innovation, talent and opportunity continue to define this remarkable district for generations to come.
Rendering of Gwinnett Tech Building 2