ALBANY, Ga. — The Dougherty County School System proudly celebrated the completion of its inaugural VILLA program cohort during a special graduation ceremony held Thursday, April 24, 2025.
The VILLA (Volunteer Instructional Leadership Learning Academy) Program was launched to empower parent volunteers and community leaders with a deeper understanding of the school system’s structure and operations. Over the course of several months, participants engaged in six interactive sessions covering key areas such as district governance, budgeting, educational operations, technology integration, and curriculum development. The program also included a practical field trip, offering participants a first-hand look at how the district operates.
During Thursday’s ceremony, participants shared the various insights they gained about the Dougherty County School System — from how resources are allocated and schools are managed, to the vital role community involvement plays in student success.
The VILLA program is part of the district’s broader efforts to strengthen partnerships between schools, families, and the community. With the first cohort’s success, the district has already started planning for future cohorts.