At Blue Bird, our commitment to communities goes far beyond building safe and reliable school buses. For nearly a century, we’ve proudly called Middle Georgia our home — and that means investing in the people, schools and students who shape its future.
That commitment comes to life every day through the efforts of Blue Bird employees who actively support Middle Georgia Schools in meaningful, hands-on ways. From mentoring students to encouraging academic confidence, these initiatives help drive student success and open doors to future career pathways.
Real-World Experience in the Classroom
One of the most powerful ways to prepare students for the future is by connecting classroom learning to real-world careers. In December 2025, Blue Bird production supervisor Brandon Paxton did just that when he visited the EV Automotive Pathway program at W.S. Hutchings College and Career Academy’s Innovation Center.
The academy’s vocational track is designed to equip students with the skills needed for careers in high-demand fields. As a guest speaker, Brandon provided students with a firsthand look at what a career in engineering and manufacturing can look like.
He shared insights from his own journey — including internships at Blue Bird, college experiences and his day-to-day responsibilities — while also offering practical advice and answering thoughtful student questions. The engagement was clear from the start, with students arriving prepared, resumes in hand and eager to learn.
Blue Bird was the first company to have a guest speaker at the EV automation class, and the Blue Bird team praised the level of preparation and interaction from students. Experiences like this help students see a tangible connection between their education and future opportunities, often right in their own region.
Strengthening Partnerships Through Principal for a Day
Supporting student success also means building strong relationships with educators and school leaders. In March 2026, Blue Bird employees participated in Bibb County School District’s 10th annual “Principal for a Day” program.
Chief Human Resources Officer David Pasternak and Grants and Community Engagement Manager Lauren Beaty spent the day at W.S. Hutchings College and Career Academy and Rutland High School, respectively. During their visits, David and Lauren experienced firsthand how schools prepare students through hands-on learning, career pathway programs, and partnerships with industry and postsecondary institutions.
The program offers community leaders a deeper understanding of today’s educational environment while creating opportunities for collaboration. By stepping into the role of a school leader, David and Lauren gained valuable insight into how to better align workforce development efforts with classroom learning.
Preparing Students for the Workforce
In Peach County Schools, Blue Bird employees helped students take important steps toward college and career readiness through mock interviews.
In April 2026, members of the Blue Bird team volunteered at Peach County High School. Grants Specialist Emma Darnell and Grants and Community Engagement Assistant Lynn Farmer conducted mock interviews with students to simulate real-world hiring experiences.
Students were asked to speak about their strengths, leadership experience, time-management skills and future goals. After each session, they received personalized, constructive feedback from Emma and Lynn to help them better understand how to present themselves and where to improve.
These mock interviews do more than prepare students for job applications and interviews. They build confidence, sharpen communication skills and provide real-world insight into employer expectations. For many students, it’s a formative experience that helps turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Small Acts Make a Big Difference
While career preparation is important, building confidence at an early age is too. This spring, Blue Bird employees across all offices came together to support younger elementary students in Bibb County Schools through a simple but meaningful initiative.
More than 1,600 personalized encouragement cards were written for third-grade students preparing for state testing. Each card included a handwritten message of support and was signed by a member of the Blue Bird team.
The cards were presented to Bibb County Schools Superintendent Dr. Dan Sims at the Spring Business Education Partnership meeting. This initiative created an opportunity for all employees to play a role in supporting local students and remind them that their community is behind them every step of the way.
Some of the cards made their way to the classroom of a Blue Bird employee’s spouse! Seeing the cards in action and touching the lives of local students made it a full-circle moment for this employee.
“This is super cool, [I’m] proud to be a part of a company that pours back into its community,” said Darrius Baker, Total Acquisition Specialist, Sourcing and Operations.
A Lasting Commitment to Community
Together, these efforts highlight Blue Bird’s role as an active and engaged community partner. By supporting regional education initiatives, Blue Bird aims to strengthen the connection between education and industry and empower students of all ages.
From introducing students to potential career pathways to building confidence in the classroom, the initiatives reflect a shared goal — driving student success and creating opportunities that extend far beyond graduation.
As Blue Bird approaches its 100th anniversary, its commitment to local students and communities remains as strong as ever. We proudly invest in the communities which have supported us for generations and are honored to shape the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem solvers.
Learn more about Blue Bird’s commitment to positive social impact and the Blue Bird School Bus Foundation.