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BALDWIN PREPARATORY ACADEMY NAMED WINNER OF SITE SELECTORS GUILD 2025

PROJECT WITH A PURPOSE AWARD

Loxley, Ala. – Baldwin County Public Schools, in partnership with the Baldwin County Economic

Development Alliance, received the 2025 Projects with a Purpose award from the Site Selectors Guild, the

only association of the world’s foremost professional site selection consultants, for Baldwin Preparatory

Academy.

The award, presented during the Guild’s 2025 Annual Conference in Orlando, FL, USA, honors individuals

or organizations that have successfully implemented location selection projects that go beyond job creation

to address social and/or environmental issues within a community. Recipients are helping to tackle the most

challenging problems by reducing inequality or promoting a healthier environment.

Baldwin Preparatory Academy, Alabama's first career-tech high school, opened in 2024 for approximately

800 students in grades 10-12. Developed by Baldwin County Public Schools in partnership with the Baldwin

County Economic Development Alliance (BCEDA), this $100 million facility offers 12 career pathways and

simulates a real-world work environment. The academy's innovative approach includes active industry

involvement, providing funding and curriculum support. With strong community and business partnerships,

the academy aims to address workforce challenges, foster economic growth, and prepare students for

future careers.

"Congratulations to the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance for their exceptional leadership in

tackling workforce challenges by developing an advanced training environment for future talent," said Seth

Martindale, Site Selectors Guild board chair and senior managing director at CBRE, Inc.

“Receiving this prestigious award for Baldwin Preparatory Academy is a tremendous honor for both the

Baldwin County Public Schools and our organization as a partner,” said BCEDA President and CEO Lee

Lawson. “We applaud Baldwin County Public School’s investment and commitment to workforce

development through Baldwin Preparatory Academy. This innovative collaboration is not only equipping

students for college and career success but also building sustainable talent pipelines that will meet industry

needs for generations.”

“This one-of-a-kind school started from a call from our industry leaders, and we answered that call,” said

Baldwin County Public Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler. “Our communities needed it, our workforce

needed it, and most of all, our students needed it. Having a facility like this brings in heavy hitters like

Novelis, who decided to make Baldwin County home in part due to the development of Baldwin

Preparatory Academy. Having thriving companies like Novelis truly affects the way of life for those in our

county. We are humbled to receive this recognition, and we hope that Baldwin Preparatory Academy

continues to be considered a leader for providing committed and talented individuals to the companies

that choose to be a part of it.”

To learn more about the Site Selectors Guild Awards program, visit https://siteselectorsguild.com/guild-

awards.

About BCEDA

BCEDA is a coalition of local public and private professionals, leaders, and officials dedicated to fostering

economic growth and prosperity 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 www.baldwineda.com.

About the Site Selectors Guild

Site Selectors Guild is the only association of the world’s foremost professional site selection consultants.

Guild members provide location strategy to corporations across the globe and for every industry, sector,

and function. Founded in 2010, the Site Selectors Guild is dedicated to advancing the profession of

international corporate site selection by promoting integrity, objectivity, and professional development.

Members are peer-nominated, vetted, and must demonstrate significant professional location advisory

experience. In 2023, Guild members facilitated the committed or announced creation of approximately

107,000 jobs and $101 billion in capital investment by corporate clients, which required location analysis

across 74 countries. Guild membership is the highest standard in the site selection industry. For more