CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) in partnership with the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) is proud to announce its participation in the 2026–2027 Georgia FLEX (Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurial Experience) program, a statewide initiative that empowers high school students to develop real-world entrepreneurial and leadership skills through hands-on learning and community engagement.

COED and CCSD staff attended the 2026 FLEX Implementation Workshop, where they engaged in collaborative training sessions, learned best practices from successful program sites, and worked alongside their teams to map out tailored plans for launching or enhancing their local FLEX programs. This hands-on workshop ensures each community begins the school year equipped with the tools and strategies needed for a strong and sustainable implementation.

“FLEX doesn’t just prepare students for careers—it prepares them to lead,” said Melissa Dark, Executive Director of Georgia FLEX. “Communities that participate in FLEX invest in their future workforce and cultivate the kind of entrepreneurial thinking that drives local progress.”

FLEX continues to inspire high school students, immersing them in real-world entrepreneurial experiences by helping students start real businesses and providing them with mentorship opportunities. Through FLEX, students learn to identify problems, develop innovative solutions, and pitch viable business ideas, all while building confidence, communication skills, and a deep understanding of their local economies.

FLEX also benefits the wider community by nurturing a culture of collaboration through connecting youth with local business leaders. By supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, Cherokee is investing in a stronger, more resilient local economy.

“FLEX is a powerful example of what can happen when education and economic development work together,” said Heath Tippens, President of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development. “By connecting students with mentors, business leaders, and entrepreneurial experiences, we are helping them discover their potential while building a stronger future for Cherokee County. We’re excited to see the ideas and innovations that emerge from this year’s program.”

The 2026–2027 program officially kicks off this fall, and FLEX Cherokee looks forward to seeing the creativity, leadership, and drive our students will bring to this year’s FLEX journey.

For more information about FLEX Cherokee and to learn how you can support our local program, visit cherokeega.org/flex.

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About the Cherokee Office of Economic Development

COED is Cherokee’s leading organization for business and film recruitment, and industry retention and expansion. For more information, visit www.cherokeega.org.