Fairhope resident Christina Hellmich, formerly with the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, has joined the Baldwin Community + Economic Development Foundation as its industry engagement director for Baldwin Preparatory Academy.

Hellmich's career has been dedicated to workforce development and partnerships with Baldwin County schools for roughly 15 years with previous experience in banking, health care and nonprofit efforts as a marketing and public relations professional. Now, she will work alongside industry partners to prepare Baldwin County's future generations.

Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance President and CEO Lee Lawson says Hellmich will add significant capacity and expertise in developing those industry relationships.

"I am excited to join the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance and engage with industry partners, knowing that we will be collaboratively working to secure the future of Baldwin County's workforce through Baldwin Prep," Hellmich stated. "It is very exciting to partner with the Baldwin County Public Schools system in this initiative to change the trajectory for so many people and businesses across our county."

Sophomores, juniors and seniors across Baldwin County will head to Baldwin Prep looking to find early career development in fields ranging anywhere from automotive engine repair to culinary arts, aided by a litany of partners within the region. Inaugural seniors will attend half a day, receiving a diploma from their base school. Following the introductory class, all students will be able to obtain their diplomas from Baldwin Prep without a base school — which will then only be necessary if the student wants to participate in extracurricular activities like athletics and band, since they will not be offered at the academy.

Every high school in the district will be represented at Baldwin Prep. Leading industry partners set to help guide students into career opportunities are Novelis, Infirmary Health and D.R. Horton. In addition, every field listed has an industry partner or someone in the industry interested in helping the students, according to Principal Adam Sealy.

"(Baldwin Prep) is a game changer," Superintendent Eddie Tyler said. "Not only for Baldwin County students but for the region. Anyone can come from outside of the system and apply for a waiver to come to the school from other counties, and we'll accept them if they meet all of the criteria."

BCPS expects all Baldwin Prep facilities and maintenance to be finished by July 1 with its final inspection coming by the end of the month, prior to the highly anticipated August opening.