Gwinnett County Public Schools: GCPS Signs Agreement With Georgia Gwinnett College To Strengthen Collaboration, Expand Opportunities

Press release from Gwinnett County Public Schools:

02.07.22

A longtime collaboration between the school district and postsecondary partner Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) has been formalized with an agreement that strengthens collaborative efforts to prepare today’s students to be tomorrow’s leaders. 

The new agreement—signed by Dr. Jann L. Joseph, GGC president, and Dr. Calvin J. Watts, GCPS superintendent—will enhance connections between the college and the school district, building on the work of past leaders to strengthen relationships between the two largest education organizations in Gwinnett County and to provide a more strategic use of resources. This work will be led by a team comprised of GGC academic deans and GCPS leaders who will collaborate on initiatives designed to improve student graduation rates at both the high school and college levels, create stronger pathways to college for GCPS students, and build a sustainable system that encourages positive outcomes for Gwinnett students of all ages over time.

“GCPS is an award-winning school district that seeks to prepare its students to successfully navigate college and their careers,” says Dr. Watts of the agreement, which was signed Feb. 1. “This agreement will underscore the commitment we have toward working together to provide support to students at every point of their education—from grade school to college graduation.”

“GGC and GCPS have long enjoyed successful collaborations, including STEM and STEAM programs for K-12 students, dual enrollment programs, and a teacher residency program, where GGC’s education students are placed in area elementary schools to gain the skills needed to become teachers,” says Dr. Joseph. “In fact, one of our graduates was recently named GCPS Elementary School Teacher of the Year.”

In addition to strengthening existing programs, like dual enrollment, the academic team will identify and align resources to create new programs that enhance the P-16 pathway from our youngest, pre-K learners through the college experience. Initiatives under study include:

• A pilot program for students interested in beginning or earning their associate’s or NEXUS degrees during high school. 

• A volunteer program where STEM faculty members at GGC are paired with a GCPS STEM teacher to serve as a resource to the teacher and students.

The relationship between GGC and GCPS is symbiotic, benefiting both organizations and the greater Gwinnett community. A large number of GCPS graduates continue their education at GGC. In fact, more than 70% of GGC students are former GCPS students. In addition, many GGC students who graduate with bachelor’s degrees in education return to GCPS to teach future generations.

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders,” says Dr. Watts. “This collaboration will create a stronger high school and college student,and, ultimately, a stronger Gwinnett County.”

About Georgia Gwinnett College…

Did you know?

• Known as an innovator and one of the top public colleges in the region, GGC is ranked as the most ethnically diverse Southern regional college, according to 2022 U.S. News & World Report.

Learn more on GGC’s website.

This press release was produced by Gwinnett County Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.