Atlanta Tech opens one of Georgia’s first datacenter academy labs

By AI, Created 9:05 PM UTC, May 22, 2026, /AGP/ – Atlanta Technical College unveiled a new Microsoft Datacenter Academy lab on campus May 20, giving Georgia students a direct route into datacenter and IT jobs. The program is backed by more than $800,000 and is set to welcome its first students in the fall.

Why it matters: - The new academy is designed to channel Georgia students into fast-growing technology jobs in datacenter operations, networking, cybersecurity and energy management. - The facility adds local training capacity in a state that has become a major digital infrastructure hub. - The program aims to reduce financial barriers with scholarships that cover tuition, books, fees and certification testing.

What happened: - Atlanta Technical College cut the ribbon May 20 on a new lab facility that will house one of Georgia’s first datacenter technical training academies. - The event took place on ATC’s campus in Atlanta. - Microsoft, TA Realty and TA Digital Group joined college leaders, industry partners and community stakeholders for the ceremony. - The Microsoft Datacenter Academy at Atlanta Technical College is slated for completion in early 2026. - The academy is expected to welcome its first students in the fall.

The details: - The academy is part of a global Microsoft Datacenter Academy network with more than 30 partner institutions. - Microsoft works with local education partners through five pillars: curriculum alignment, scholarships and financial aid, mentorship, simulation labs and work experience. - The ATC facility is backed by more than $800,000 in funding through the Atlanta Technical College Foundation and industry partners. - The program combines curriculum, immersive simulation labs and mentorship to prepare students for work in datacenter operations, networking, cybersecurity and energy management. - U.S. employment in those fields grew by more than 60% from 2016 to 2023. - The sector is projected to expand 20% to 25% annually through 2030. - Microsoft scholarship support covers tuition, books, fees and certification testing costs. - Some of the first participants have already taken part in hands-on learning experiences supported by Microsoft. - The company says the new simulation lab gives students access to equipment and servers. - ATC says the academy fits its broader strategy to align technical education with high-demand, high-wage careers. - More information is available at Atlanta Technical College.

Between the lines: - The launch reflects a broader push to connect local workforce development with the buildout of cloud and digital infrastructure. - Georgia’s role as a datacenter and technology hub makes the talent pipeline as important as the physical infrastructure. - The partnership also signals that employers and schools are trying to shape access to the sector before students enter the job market.

What’s next: - ATC will finish the facility in early 2026. - The academy will begin serving students in the fall. - The program will likely expand the local pipeline of workers trained for datacenter and IT roles.

The bottom line: - Atlanta Technical College now has a dedicated pathway for students to move directly into one of Georgia’s fastest-growing tech sectors.