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• Improving the Quality of Education in Ge...

In Georgia, unemployment rates are high, and the current workforce is inadequately educated. The MCC and the Government of Georgia’s five-year $140 million compact achieved significant economic growth results by improving the quality of education and strengthening human capital. To improve key education infrastructure, Tetra Tech was selected as the independent engineering consultant to oversee infrastructure, environmental, social, and resettlement activities for three compact projects: The Improving General Education Quality Project, the STEM Higher Education Project, and the Industry-led Skills and Workforce Development Project.

Our team provided engineering oversight assistance to MCC for the rehabilitation of 91 schools, developed operation and maintenance procedures, improved learning environments for 39,000 students, and built local management and oversight capacity. Our work helped set up Georgia’s youth for success and enable a future of economic growth.

The Improving General Education Quality Project rehabilitated dilapidated public schools built in the mid-1900s. Starting with a transparent selection process focused on social vulnerability and structural and seismic reviews—91 schools were chosen across Georgia. Tetra Tech reviewed and provided recommendations for the initial assessments and designs conducted by other implementing partners. Specific emphasis was placed on providing water-based toilets. That meant assessing and selecting the appropriate wastewater treatment solution for each school. Most schools implemented individual biological wastewater treatment plants.

We then monitored and evaluated the designs, contractor procurement processes, and construction and closeout activities. Our team reviewed documents and field conditions to ensure they met applicable technical standards, conformed with MCC guidelines and timeframes, and provided cost-effective solutions.

During construction, we provided independent field inspections and recommendations to mitigate delays. Our team assisted in the development of a countrywide public school system operations and maintenance plan that accounted for water supply, wastewater treatment plants, school heating systems, and laboratory equipment. Additionally, we provided construction and contract management and teachers laboratory safety trainings in-country.

For the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Higher Education, International Partner Selection Program, the Government of Georgia partnered with San Diego State University to improve the classroom environment at the university level and increase student population. Our work supported this effort by overseeing the renovation of chemistry laboratories, smart classrooms, and libraries, and the design and construction of an engineering and science building.

Under the Industry-Led Skills and Workforce Development Project, aimed to increase student’s technical skills, we monitored and evaluated for the Competitive Program Improvement Grants activity—which awarded $12 million in grants to expand and develop new technical education and vocational training programs. Our team reviewed a grant operations manual that established criteria to solicit competitive, industry-driven technical and vocational education training (TVET) providers. Tetra Tech then reviewed a sample of design development reports and management plans to be used by the applicants.

Tetra Tech monitored projects across Georgia to improve the learning environment for thousands of students in primary, secondary, and higher education. Our oversight improved water and wastewater systems, building structures, and health, safety, and security protocol. Tetra Tech helped lay the foundation for smarter, more empowered youth who will lead Georgia to a future of economic growth.