Enternational Economic Development Council (IEDC) 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Awards
Loxley, Al (October 2026) - Baldwin Preparatory Academy has been recognized with a Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as part of the 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Awards. In collaboration with Baldwin Alliance, they received an award in the Postsecondary Education Partnership category for communities with populations between 200,000 and 500,000. The recognition highlights their innovative approach to preparing the next generation of skilled workers while strengthening Baldwin County’s workforce pipeline.
The internationally recognized award highlights the collaborative partnership between Baldwin Prep and Coastal Alabama Community College, established to provide high school students with direct access to college coursework, industry-recognized credentials, and hands-on career training before graduation. Through strong alignment among education, workforce development, economic development organizations, and industry, the partnership is helping students graduate workforce-ready while supporting the long-term economic competitiveness of Baldwin County. Together, these partners have built a seamless educational pathway that connects classroom learning with real-world career opportunities.
Today, Coastal Alabama Community College provides dual enrollment opportunities in both academic and career-technical programs, instructional materials, laboratory resources, certification support, and workforce engagement experiences, including industry tours, field trips, networking opportunities, and employer partnerships. Students earn free college credit while completing career-focused training aligned with the needs of Baldwin County employers.
"It is our vision to facilitate connections for our students to thrive," said Dr. Aaron Milner, President of Coastal Alabama Community College. "The partnership that we have with Baldwin Prep Academy is one example of how lucrative partnerships, such as this, lead to student success. The students are exposed not only to college preparatory programs, but to the industry environment they are seeking to enter. We are proud to be the higher educational partner for this innovative facility as we train a talented, motivated, and prepared future workforce for southwest Alabama and beyond."
During the 2025–2026 academic year alone, Baldwin Preparatory Academy produced significant measurable results. 564 high school students participated in dual enrollment through Coastal Alabama Community College, with 106 industry-recognized credentials earned. These outcomes demonstrate the program’s impact on reducing barriers to higher education, minimizing future student debt, expanding career opportunities, and helping address skilled labor shortages throughout Baldwin County. By aligning education directly with workforce demand, the partnership strengthens Baldwin County's ability to recruit new businesses, support existing employers, and build a resilient economy for years to come.
"The partnership between the Baldwin Alliance and Baldwin Preparatory Academy has created a direct pipeline between education and workforce needs in Baldwin County," said Adam Sealy, Principal of Baldwin Preparatory Academy. "Our collaboration allows our students to gain real-world experience and graduate with a clear path toward high-demand careers. For BPA, the partnership reinforces the value of career and technical education, and for our workforce, it helps ensure local industries have access to skilled, work-ready graduates who are prepared to contribute on day one."
The IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world's most innovative and impactful economic development programs. Receiving a Silver Award places Baldwin County's collaborative workforce model among the nation's leading examples of excellence in workforce and economic development.
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About Baldwin Alliance
Baldwin Alliance is a coalition of public and private leaders working together to drive sustainable economic growth in Baldwin County. The organization is committed to promoting Baldwin County as a premier location in the U.S. for investment and continuing to raise the quality of life in the community. For more information, visit BaldwinAlliance.com.
About Baldwin Preparatory Academy
Baldwin Preparatory Academy is the first of its kind in our region and the newest addition to the Baldwin County Public School System, the fastest-growing system in the state. It is a full-time, magnet-school-like institution of higher learning, offering academics and real-world, on-the-job experience integrated into a state-of-the-art building designed for academic and industry-specific immersion.
About Coastal Alabama Community College
Coastal Alabama Community College serves students across southwest Alabama through comprehensive academic, workforce, and technical education programs. The College is committed to preparing students for successful careers, continued education, and lifelong learning.
