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Chattanooga, Tenn. — Hamilton County Schools (HCS), the Hamilton County Mayor’s Office, and EPB today announced the new Energy and Quantum Industries Academy, a Future Ready Pathway set to open at the Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Center.
The new academy is expected to serve approximately 400 students each year across grades 9-12, providing them with the educational foundation to qualify for thriving, high-wage careers. HCS, in partnership with Hamilton County and EPB, will support participating students with access to learning and preparation based on real-world challenges in engineering, information technology, cybersecurity, broadband and communications infrastructure, utility operations, energy systems and quantum science. The new Energy and Quantum Industries Academy is designed as a local workforce pipeline with students learning technical skills that apply broadly across many local industries.
“Partnering with EPB gives our students access to high-wage career options right here in our community,”
said Dr. Justin Robertson, HCS Superintendent. “I’m grateful to Mayor Wamp and EPB for working alongside us to create more opportunities for students in the downtown area. Our goal is for every student to graduate with a clear path forward, whether that means college, specialized training, or entering the workforce. The Energy and Quantum Industries Academy will help students build practical skills, gain real-world experience, and make connections that can lead to future careers.”
As Hamilton County continues building momentum in quantum networking, quantum computing, advanced digital infrastructure, and next-generation energy systems, the Academy will provide students with direct exposure to the technologies shaping the future of work in Hamilton County and ensure students are prepared for the opportunities these local industries are creating today and in the years ahead.
“This collaboration with EPB at the Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Center represents one of the most significant corporate partnerships in the history of public education in Hamilton County,” said Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp. “By creating pathways into advanced energy, broadband, cybersecurity, and quantum technology careers, EPB is giving students opportunities in the industries that are shaping our region’s future.”
In addition to working with the district to shape curriculum and hands-on learning opportunities, EPB will help identify industry certifications, technical competencies, and workforce readiness experiences that prepare students for postsecondary education and immediate workforce opportunities.
“This new partnership reflects EPB’s focus on creating opportunities for students while strengthening the local workforce that drives our local economy,” said EPB Board Chair Vicky Gregg. “Through hands-on technical education, students will build skills that translate into great careers across a wide range of local industries.”
This partnership continues efforts towards building pipelines of local talent prepared to meet employer needs in critical and emerging sectors. The pathway also strengthens Hamilton County’s position as a leader in energy innovation, advanced technology, and quantum industry development.
The partnership with EPB marks another significant milestone for the Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Center, which is set to open in August 2028. The center will serve as a hub for innovative education, expanding access to hands-on learning and career pathways for students from 11 schools across the county.
