Georgia United Credit Union Awards Northwest Georgia College and Career Academy 2026 School Crashers Grant

DALTON, GA (March 17, 2026) – When you talk about impactful schools in our community, it would be hard to find one school that serves more students and programs than the Northwest Georgia College and Career Academy (NWGCCA).  NWGCCA serves students from all Whitfield County School System high schools, helping them build skills for a career and successful life after graduation. This facility also houses Phoenix High School, Compass Academy for students with disabilities, the Newcomers Language Learning Program and hosts summer school, camps, new-teacher onboarding and professional development for Whitfield County Schools. 

NWGCCA advisory board member Brian Cooksey nominated the school for a makeover grant with a 250-word story and a photo of rows of the well-worn wooden tables and chairs – earning one of five coveted Georgia United School Crashers projects scheduled for this summer.

Principal Sherri Travisano shared the school's vision: "We propose updates to seating and flooring in the Media Center and Commons to transform these high-traffic areas into welcoming, flexible, and engaging learning environments that serve the entire campus community.  Modern, comfortable seating and durable, visually inviting flooring will support collaboration, independent study, small-group instruction, and community-building activities. By redesigning these spaces, we will create inclusive environments that promote student engagement, accessibility, and a sense of belonging for all learners while also providing staff with functional spaces for collaboration and professional growth.” 

Georgia United Credit Union CEO Laura King agrees, “We are looking forward to serving our communities and strengthening our school systems through our thirteenth annual School Crashers program. This program is made possible by the Georgia United Foundation, credit union team members, generous donors, community partners and volunteers. We are especially excited about the Northwest Georgia College and Career Academy project as it is close to our Dalton Branch location, so we anticipate good volunteer support to transform this empty room into an important mental health resource.”

Whenever members use Georgia United for a car loan, home loan or checking account, a part of those funds are given back to the community through scholarships, financial education or through programs like School Crashers that deliver inspiring learning spaces that strengthen schools. By the end of the summer, School Crashers improvements will have impacted a total of 86 schools with improvement estimated at over $3.2 million since 2014.

Following this morning’s announcement at the school, Georgia United’s community development representatives will meet with the school to begin setting priorities and planning everything from paint and flooring to comfortable and collaborative seating options. All improvements will be completed during summer break to avoid disruption instruction. The refreshed media center is scheduled to open for students and staff at the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

Funding for School Crasher sis made possible through Georgia United Credit Union, the Georgia United Foundation and generous community partners and volunteers. To contribute, visit gucufoundation.org/donate. To explore past school crashers projects and see additional 2026 recipients as they're announced throughout March, visit gucufoundation.org/schoolcrashers.