4. Industry Partner Support Letters

                       C. W. MATTHEWS CONTRACTING CO., INC.
                                                   DRAWER 970
                                          MARIETTA, GEORGIA 30061
                                            TELEPHONE (770) 422-7520

                                                  May 28, 2024

Joel Posey
Dunwoody High School
5035 Vermack Rd
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Joel_Posey@dekalbschoolsga.org

Subject: Letter of Support of Dunwoody High School’s Heavy Equipment Operator Pathway (HEO Pathway)

Dear Mr. Posey:

I am writing to pledge our support to Dunwoody High School and their HEO Pathway. The HEO Pathway aligns
well with C. W. Matthews Contracting Co., Inc.’s (“CWM”) workforce development needs.

CWM is one of the state’s leading heavy highway construction companies with project locations throughout the
state. CWM has been in business since 1946 and our primary focus is state and local infrastructure projects. On
an annual basis, CWM hires between 75 and 150 equipment operators for our projects. The state funding
projections for the heavy highway industry are as high as they have ever been, and we anticipate the need for
operators to grow exponentially with the increase as work is awarded.

Implementing an HEO Pathway will not only cater to the immediate occupational needs of our workforce, but
also allow us to build a steady pipeline of qualified operators for future projects. The establishment of the HEO
Pathway aligns perfectly with our other statewide training initiatives. Most specifically, our high school
recruiting efforts to include work base learning (WBL), summer internship opportunities and full-time
employment of high school graduates.

The proposed HEO Pathway equips high school students with skill sets and credentials necessary to fill high
demand horizontal construction positions—jobs that are well paying, sustaining, and a critical need in our state.

On behalf of CWM, it is my pleasure to join this collaboration. Furthermore, CWM is committed to:

    •   Assisting with the HEO Pathway Capstone Project;
    •   Providing WBL and Internship Opportunities;
    •   Assisting instructors with classroom content and training on the HEO Pathway simulators and
        curriculum;
    •   Providing evaluations for the quality of workforce training delivered, and;
    •   Continuing to work with the school to permanently place students in the construction industry.

I fully support Dunwoody High School’s efforts and believe the HEO Pathway will have a meaningful and
sustainable impact on Georgia and the employers in the area.

Best Regards,




Ray A. Rodriguez
Division VP Human Resources
C. W. Matthews Contracting Co., Inc.
Jake Slusher
Field Training Director
E. R. Snell Contractor, Inc.
1785 Oak Rd SW
Snellville, Ga 30078
M: 706-614-8494 Email: jslusher@ersnell.com

To Dunwoody High School:

        As an industry partner of several HEO programs, we fully support Dunwoody High
School in their application for the Heavy Equipment Simulator Grant. The class provides a route
for students to learn a variety of skills that are applicable to many fields of construction
including civil construction, electrical, plumbing, and carpentry. Many of these trades use the
equipment and curriculum learned by students in the pathway as well as the employability skills
required to be successful in the industry.

         The curriculum and skills learned in the pathway will provide multiple industries with
well-trained students while bolstering wage earning capabilities for students. Students can use
the skills learned in the pathway to obtain certifications that in turn will help them obtain an
entry level position in a field of their choice. The skills not only provide a construction industry
that has in-demand careers with potential candidates, but provide students with the skills to
enter a bustling industry that is continually expanding, especially with the growth in Georgia.

       We offer our full support through: classroom visits, teacher support, Project Site Visits,
Equipment Practice, and Heavy Equipment Capstone Projects. We will also provide employment
opportunities for these students through Work-Based Learning positions, Summer Internships,
and Full-time Employment after graduation.

       We are excited to see the commitment of Dunwoody High School’s Excellence in Career
and Technical Education expanding opportunities for students by offering the Heavy Equipment
Pathway. We look forward to being a part of the program and offering support.

                                       Sincerely,