High schools in the Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS) took a tour of the Middle Georgia Regional Airport (MCN), as well as two airport industries. GCAPS is a statewide program though the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) that local governments can participate in to encourage the youth to enter into public service.

“The kids are being exposed to wonderful things in our community,” said Executive Director of Community Affairs Dr. Henry Ficklin. “All of them have some kind of tie to a career for them.”

On Tuesday, October 26, GCAPS visited the airport to check out different areas and what goes into a flight. Students got a tour of Embraer, an aerospace manufacturer, as well as the new Dean-Baldwin Painting facility.

“It’s really interesting. Just seeing these things in general is really opening me up to new career fields that I haven’t really been made aware of in the past, and it helps me decide what I want to do as I go to college and beyond,” said Central High School Junior Henry Jennings.

More trips around Macon-Bibb County are planned for GCAPS. The goal is to give students a unique experience in learning about government operations in our community and state. Students can take trips, meet local and state leaders and elected officials, and learn how to conduct themselves in a professional environment.