
Nearly one out of every five residents in Chattooga County lives below the federal poverty line, giving the county one of the highest poverty rates in Northwest Georgia, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and regional economic reports.

Nearly one out of every five residents in Chattooga County lives below the federal poverty line, giving the county one of the highest poverty rates in Northwest Georgia, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and regional economic reports.

The Chattooga High School Welding Fabrication Team has earned a remarkable second-place finish at the SkillsUSA National Championships, representing the State of Georgia against the nation’s top career and technical education students.

A partnership between Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) and Floyd County Prison is helping incarcerated individuals prepare for successful reentry into society through education and workforce training.

New labor force numbers released for Northwest Georgia show Chattooga County with the highest unemployment rate listed on the latest regional map.

The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate dropped to 2.7 percent in April, down six-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month. The rate was 2.8 percent one year ago.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College will host Open House events at all six of its campuses next week, giving prospective students and families a chance to learn more about programs, tour facilities, and meet faculty and staff.
The events will be held from 10 AM until noon.
Open Houses are scheduled for Tuesday, June 2nd at the Polk County Campus in Rockmart and the Walker County Campus in Rock Spring. On Wednesday, June 3rd, events will be held at the Gordon County Campus in Calhoun and the Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton. On Thursday, June 4th, Open Houses will take place at the Catoosa County Campus in Ringgold and the Floyd County Campus in Rome.
Legare Price, associate vice president of Student Success at GNTC, said the events are a great opportunity for potential students and families to explore one of the college’s six campuses and see what GNTC has to offer.
Each two-hour event will include registration, a panel discussion, campus tours with program highlights, a presentation on GNTC’s benefits, and a step-by-step overview of the enrollment process.
Attendees will receive special giveaways and a code to waive the $25 application fee.
For more information, contact GNTC’s Office of Admissions at admissions@gntc.edu or 866-983-4682.

Manufacturing remains the leading employment sector in Chattooga County, continuing its long-standing role as the backbone of the local economy.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College says its Welding and Joining Technology program continues to be one of the school’s most in-demand programs, with graduates seeing strong job placement rates and high starting wages.

The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the state reached new all-time highs in both labor force participation and total employment during April, while Georgia’s unemployment rate remained well below the national average.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College will host a Free Application Week June 1-5 for students planning to enroll for the 2026 fall semester.
During that week, GNTC will waive the $25 application fee for all incoming students. Applicants should use the code JUNE26 when applying to have the fee waived.
The admissions deadline for fall semester is August 4, and classes are scheduled to begin August 17.
Students can apply by visiting GNTC.edu and clicking “Apply Now.” GNTC’s call center is available Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. at 866-983-4682. Questions may also be directed to the Office of Admissions at admissions@gntc.edu.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in career fields including aviation, business, health, industrial, and public service. The college serves students across Northwest Georgia through credit programs, adult education, continuing education, business and industry training, and Georgia Quick Start programs.