Loxley, Ala. – The 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 information, visit siteselectorsguild.com or follow @siteselectguild on Twitter.