Baldwin County’s Baldwin Preparatory Academy has earned national recognition for its role in transforming workforce education, receiving the 2025 Projects with a Purpose award from the Site Selectors Guild.

Baldwin County Public Schools (BCPS), in partnership with the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance (BCEDA), accepted the award during the Guild’s 2025 Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, according to a news release. The release went on to state that the honor recognizes location selection projects that go beyond job creation by addressing social or environmental issues, such as reducing inequality or promoting a healthier environment.

“Congratulations to the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance for their exceptional leadership in tackling workforce challenges by developing an advanced training environment for future talent,” said Seth Martindale, Site Selectors Guild board chair and senior managing director at CBRE, Inc.

Baldwin Preparatory Academy, Alabama’s first career-tech high school, opened in 2024 and serves approximately 800 students in grades 10-12. The $100 million facility offers 12 career pathways, simulating a real-world work environment with direct industry involvement. The academy’s hands-on approach includes partnerships with local businesses that provide funding and help shape the curriculum to meet industry demands.

BCEDA President and CEO Lee Lawson said the recognition reflects the power of collaboration.

“Receiving this prestigious award for Baldwin Preparatory Academy is a tremendous honor for both the Baldwin County Public Schools and our organization as a partner,” Lawson said. “We applaud Baldwin County Public School’s investment and commitment to workforce development through Baldwin Preparatory Academy. This innovative collaboration is not only equipping students for college and career success but also building sustainable talent pipelines that will meet industry
needs for generations.”

The academy aims to strengthen Baldwin County’s workforce by providing students with industry-specific skills and practical experience. Its programs are designed to foster economic growth and meet the evolving needs of employers in the region.

For more information on the Site Selectors Guild Awards program, visit https://siteselectorsguild.com/guildawards.

The Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance is a coalition of local public and private professionals, leaders and officials dedicated to fostering economic growth and prosperity in Baldwin County. For more information, visit www.baldwineda.com.

The Site Selectors Guild, founded in 2010, is the only association of the world’s foremost professional site selection consultants. Its members provide location strategy to corporations across the globe, covering various industries and functions. In 2023, Guild members facilitated the creation of approximately 107,000 jobs and $101 billion in capital investment across 74 countries.

BCPS Superintendent Eddie Tyler credited industry leaders for helping bring the academy to life.

“This one-of-a-kind school started from a call from our industry leaders, and we answered that call,” Tyler said. “Our communities needed it, our workforce needed it, and most of all, our students needed it. Having a facility like this brings in heavy hitters like Novelis, who decided to make Baldwin County home in part due to the development of Baldwin Preparatory Academy. Having thriving companies like Novelis truly affects the way of life for those in our county. We are humbled to receive this recognition, and we hope that Baldwin Preparatory Academy continues to be considered a leader for providing committed and talented individuals to the companies that choose to be a part of it.”

For more information on Baldwin Preparatory Academy, visit www.bcbe.org.