A Trion High School student is among nearly 100 student entrepreneurs from across Georgia who took part in the inaugural statewide Georgia FLEX field trip in Atlanta. Ryder Harris was able to attend because he participates in the FLEX Entrepreneurial Program through the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce.

The trip took place Thursday, January 15, 2026, bringing together students from eight FLEX communities—Houston, Bibb, Henry, Chattooga, Tift, Laurens, Turner, and Candler counties—for a day centered on civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and real-world business learning. At the Georgia State Capitol, students toured the building, heard from speakers and legislators, and learned how laws and policy decisions can affect small businesses. During morning orders on the House floor, State Representative Leesa Hagen of House District 156 recognized FLEX Day at the Capitol and highlighted the program’s impact on young entrepreneurs statewide. Students also had the opportunity to meet Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper along with several legislators.

Organizers noted the experience was a first-time Capitol visit for many participants, with 75 percent of students reporting it was their first-ever trip to the Georgia Capitol. After the Capitol visit, students traveled to AmericasMart in downtown Atlanta, where they explored the Georgia Grown temporaries, met business owners, learned strategies for product display and packaging, and practiced pitching their own products. Georgia FLEX Executive Director Melissa Dark said the trip helped students see how education, entrepreneurship, and government connect, while encouraging them to imagine new possibilities for their futures and communities. The field trip was supported through partnerships with the Georgia Department of Agriculture and The Georgia Chamber.