On March 23, the University of Georgia’s inaugural cohort of the Fanning Student Ambassador Leadership Certificate program graduated during a ceremony on the Athens campus. This professional development initiative equips student ambassadors from across UGA’s schools and colleges with leadership skills and career readiness.

The final session and graduation for the inaugural Student Ambassador Leadership Program. (Photo by Beth Anne DeKeizer, UGA)

The program, developed and facilitated by the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, a unit of UGA Public Service and Outreach (PSO), was made possible through a grant from the UGA Parents Leadership Council, which annually awards funding to campus programs dedicated to enriching the undergraduate experience. The program also has received a grant from the council’s 2026 funding cycle.

“Student ambassadors play an important role in shaping how prospective students and families experience the University of Georgia,” said Jason Edwards, Fanning Institute faculty member. “Thanks to the generous support of the UGA Parents Leadership Council, we brought together a cross-campus team to co -create this one -of -a – kind program. By building leadership and confidence, these ambassadors are prepared to represent UGA at the highest level.”

The program featured student ambassadors from 18 of UGA’s 19 schools and colleges, creating a university-wide collaboration that distinguishes it apart from traditional single-unit programs. Over eight sessions, participants completed coursework designed to strengthen their ability to represent their schools and colleges while building professional skills that will serve them well beyond graduation. At the program’s close, each ambassador was recognized with a certificate and digital badge.

Students said the program was beneficial not only to them professionally, but also personally.

Sara Sohani, a second-year medical student from Marietta in the Augusta/UGA Medical Partnership, said the program generated opportunities across the university she wouldn’t otherwise have had.

“The UGA Student Ambassador Leadership Program has been a great way to not only meet people from other colleges but also learn about different aspects of leadership,” Sohani said. “I appreciate that this program has focused on how to strengthen our own attributes, collaborate with different personality types and, overall, given us tools to become better ambassadors and leaders.”

For Miguel Martinez, a junior from Alto, Georgia, majoring in risk management and insurance and international business with a minor in Spanish, the program reframed what leadership means at its core.

Miguel Martinez graduating fellow participant, Adam Rose, during the program’s peer-led graduation. (Photo by Beth Anne DeKeizer, UGA)

“Through the Student Ambassador Leadership Program, I’ve learned to bridge the gap between advocacy and professionalism to internalize servant leadership,” Martinez said. “As a Terry Ambassador, I’ve impacted prospective and current UGA students through mentorship and service. As a professional, I’ve traveled the world to lead initiatives through internships and consulting projects. But the biggest takeaway from the Student Ambassador Leadership Program has been self-advocacy, because as much as I acknowledge the needs of others, I’ve learned that my leadership starts with expressing inner fortitude.”

Upon completing the program, ambassadors emerge better prepared to serve as institutional representatives and to apply transferable leadership skills in academic, professional and community settings.

Graduates include:
Mason Gonsisko, School of Law
Aaron So, College of Environment and Design
Adam Rose, College of Public Health
Avery Bayes, College of Pharmacy
Camila Varela, Mary Frances Early College of Education
Creed Barrett, Morehead Honors College
Hannah Jones, School of Public and International Affairs
Jerusha Titus, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources
Jocelyn Garcia, College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Kathryn (Laney) Clines, College of Family and Consumer Sciences
Miguel Martínez, Terry College of Business
Molly Clark, School of Social Work
Reena Thangamani, Franklin College of Arts and Science
Ryan Donovan, Odum School of Ecology
Sara Sohani, Augusta/UGA Medical Partnership
Skye Holloway, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication
Tyler Hsu, College of Engineering
Will Walker, Graduate School

The Parents Leadership Council (PLC) provides grants to UGA schools, colleges, departments and registered student organizations to support scholarships, student initiatives and programs that enhance undergraduate student life. Since its founding in 2012, the council has grown to more than 400 families and has awarded $10 million to student programs, scholarship funds, and other undergraduate resources across campus. Last year, PLC raised a record $1.6 million.

Beverly Johnson has been named director of the UGA J.W. Fanning Institute of Leadership Development. She has served as interim director since May 2024.

“Beverly has been a shining example of leadership, effectiveness, and organizational impact for Public Service and Outreach,” said Jennifer Frum, vice president of Public Service and Outreach at the University of Georgia. “Her commitment continues to expand our impact across Georgia and beyond.”

As director, Johnson oversees the Fanning Institute’s efforts to create lifelong leaders in Georgia. From programming for youth and nonprofits to conflict resolution and training for community leaders, she supports Fanning faculty and staff in building stronger, more thriving communities through leadership development.

Jason Edwards (left), Fanning Institute faculty member, and Beverly Johnson (center), director of the Fanning Institute, meet with a student during InnovateU in 2024.

Prior to joining Fanning, she served as assistant director at the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government, where she led the State Services Division team and managed multi-year training initiatives totaling over $25 million.

Additionally, Johnson directed technical assistance and applied research for state government entities and nonprofit organizations. Earlier in her career, she worked with the Georgia Department of Labor, where she led the Field Services Division, managing a network of career centers with 1,200 staff and an annual operating budget of $68 million.

“I am genuinely excited for the opportunity to continue building upon the strong foundation established here at the Fanning Institute,” Johnson said. “Our partners are invaluable to our success as an institute, and I am dedicated to collaborating closely with them and our faculty, staff, and students to achieve our shared goals and objectives.”

Johnson earned a master’s degree in public administration and an Ed.D. in adult education, human resources, and organizational development from UGA.

Writer: Charlie Bauder; 706-542-7039, cb07066@uga.edu

Effective May 1, Matt Bishop, director of the UGA J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, will transition into a new position with the Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach.

Bishop will assume a new role as associate vice president for public service and outreach, working directly with Vice President for Public Service and Outreach Jennifer Frum on PSO strategic initiatives, including leading programs and initiatives that connect UGA’s schools and colleges to PSO’s extensive network of expertise in leadership, government, business, service, and nonprofits.

“Matt brings the ability to build collaborations, an extensive knowledge of our state and university, and years of experience in public service and outreach to this new position,” said Jennifer Frum, vice president of public service and outreach. “I look forward to working with him in this capacity as we continue to serve our partners both on campus and across our state.”

Bishop (left) and Johnson (right)

Bishop has served as director of the UGA Fanning Institute since December 2012. During that time, the institute updated its adult and youth leadership curriculums and launched several programs. These include Youth LEAD Georgia, a statewide youth leadership program; the Embark Georgia network to support educational outcomes for young people who have experienced foster care and/or homelessness; and the Innovations in Community Leadership Initiative, which provides resources for community leadership programming in Georgia.

“No other experience has provided me any greater professional fulfillment than being part of Fanning’s leadership work,” Bishop said. “I could not be prouder of our accomplishments and the positive impact we have had on the individuals, communities, and organizations the institute serves working alongside all of our partners.”

Beverly Johnson, who has served as associate director at the Fanning Institute, is assuming the role of interim director.

“Beverly brings years of experience in leadership and organizational development to the role and will work to continue the outstanding programming of the Fanning Institute,” Frum said.

Prior to joining Fanning, she served as Assistant Director at the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government, where she led the State Services Division team and created and managed multi-year training initiatives of over $25 million. Additionally, Johnson directed technical assistance and applied research for state government entities and nonprofit organizations. Her earlier career was with the Georgia Department of Labor, where she led the Field Services Division, managing a network of career centers including 1,200 staff and an annual operating budget of $68 million.

“I am genuinely excited for the opportunity to continue building upon the strong foundation that has been established here at the Fanning Institute,” Johnson said. “Our partners are invaluable to our success as an institute, and I am dedicated to collaborating closely with them and our faculty, staff, and students to achieve our shared goals and objectives.”

The UGA Fanning Institute trains, inspires and equips community leaders of all ages and from all walks of life to lead positively and meaningfully in community and civic affairs, address critical challenges, bring people together, and develop solutions that will lead to stronger and more vital communities across Georgia and beyond.

Writer: Charlie Bauder; 706-542-7039, charlie.bauder@fanning.uga.edu

A statewide network led by the University of Georgia is receiving a boost of financial support to improve educational outcomes for youth who have experienced foster care and/or homelessness.

Embark Georgia received $1.1 million from the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation’s Child Well-Being Fund to continue strengthening and expanding the network’s efforts across Georgia. This follows the foundation’s previous gift of $750,000 to Embark Georgia in 2022.

“Youth who have experienced foster care face postsecondary educational obstacles that hinder their future economic and career opportunities,” said Jennifer Frum, vice president for public service and outreach at UGA. “We are incredibly grateful to the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation for its support of our work at UGA to address this critical issue and build a better quality of life for all young people across our state.”

Embark Georgia stakeholders from around the state share ideas during the regional coalition meetings of the 2024 Embark Georgia Leadership Conference on Feb. 26 at the UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel. (Photo credit: Cat Elrod / UGA Fanning Institute)

Embark Georgia, which launched in 2012 and is coordinated by the UGA J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, has worked with agencies across Georgia to increase college access and retention for youth who have experienced foster care or homelessness.

Each University System of Georgia and Technical College System of Georgia campus has a Designated Point of Contact — a staff member who helps identify and provide resources to students who have experienced homelessness or foster care. Embark Georgia helps support these higher education professionals through training opportunities and campus capacity building.

“Students who have experienced foster care or homelessness are among the most economically vulnerable populations in our state,” said David Meyers, UGA Fanning Institute public service faculty member and Embark Georgia co-network director. “We appreciate this remarkable investment in Embark Georgia, our state and these young people.”

Building off the foundation’s previous gift, this latest round of funding will help Embark Georgia maintain and expand leadership training to support those Designated Points of Contact as they serve students on their respective campuses. Additionally, it will support Embark efforts at network institutions through mini-grants awarded through an application process.

The funding will also support campus-based summer programming at UGA and other locations for youth in foster care to develop personal leadership skills, obtain essential information on college preparation, learn about the college application process and discover new opportunities.

In addition, Embark Georgia will work with a select group of students from those summer programs throughout the academic year to provide additional leadership training and college access support.

“The summer precollegiate programs have shown to increase participants’ interest in postsecondary education and self-belief to pursue available opportunities,” Meyers said. “By increasing our engagement, we will be able to support these students further along their journey to increase their chances for success.”

Finally, this funding will support enhanced research efforts at UGA around Embark Georgia’s work as well as support research efforts undertaken at other USG campuses and nationally.

“Increasing resources dedicated to research and dissemination of that information in Georgia and nationally will further demonstrate the impact of this initiative on students who have experienced foster care or homelessness and elevate UGA, USG and Embark Georgia as leaders in this field,” said Lori Tiller, UGA Fanning Institute public service faculty member and Embark Georgia co-network director.

For more information on Embark Georgia, click here.

Writer: Charlie Bauder; 706-542-7039; charlie.bauder@fanning.uga.edu
Contact: David Meyers; 706-542-5062; dmeyers@fanning.uga.edu

The University of Georgia provides opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills and plan for the future through pre-collegiate programs.

For one young person, attending the Embark Summer Precollegiate Program at the University of Georgia completely changed how they view their future.

“(The program) helped me see what I wanted in life with what I want to do,” said the youth, who is currently in foster care and attended the UGA program in June.

The Embark Summer Precollegiate Program, which provides leadership skills development and information about postsecondary education to youth in foster care, is one of a host of summer leadership programs facilitated by the UGA J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development.

During the Embark summer program, UGA Fanning Institute faculty and staff work with the participants on developing leadership skills to help them set goals for themselves and work effectively with others, while also taking them to classes and facilities on campus and elsewhere to learn about options they have after graduating high school.

“(My goals) might be easier to reach than I thought,” said another Embark program participant about what she learned from the program.

These programs at UGA reach a wide range of students.

For example, Athens-Clarke County high school students learned skills to develop as leaders and problem solvers by innovating answers to real-life challenges through learning leadership and human centered design skills at the InnovateU program at UGA in June.

The UGA Office of the President developed InnovateU in 2021 in partnership with the UGA Innovation District, Clarke County School District, UGA Fanning Institute, and other campus partners with support this year from Cox Enterprises.

“It was fun to work together and make a big solution out of everyone’s ideas,” said Amaya Martin, a rising 10th-grader at Clarke Central High School. “The program also helped me gain confidence and learn to be more outgoing even if I don’t know someone.”

Programs like this provide a great opportunity for students, said Paul Lee, a math teacher at Clarke Central High School.

“Leadership development is important because it reinforces what they are learning and helps foster community and collaboration,” Lee said.

At InnovateU and other UGA Fanning Institute summer programs, the students also have an opportunity to work alongside and build relationships with college student mentors.

“I am planning to become a teacher, so I have learned a lot and seen the impact that teachers and mentors can have on young people,” said Isabelle Powers, who will graduate in December from UGA with a degree in elementary education. “The students had great ideas and want to make a difference. It was a fun experience.”

UGA also uses these programs to prepare students for their campus experience.

In partnership with the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, UGA Fanning Institute faculty lead the Destination Dawgs Summer Leadership Institute.

This serves as a prerequisite for the Destination Dawgs program, housed within the College of Family and Consumer Sciences’ Institute on Human Development and Disability. Destination Dawgs offers participants a chance to prepare to transition to adulthood and independent living by auditing classes on campus, learning job skills and building a social network, all with the help of peer mentors.

At the summer institute, the students learn about leadership, communication and goal setting, while helping to introduce them to UGA prior to starting the Destination Dawgs program.

“This direct engagement with students is unique amongst inclusive postsecondary programs nationally and offers our project team a highly valued opportunity to get to know each individual applicant before the program,” said Carol Britton Laws, UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences professor. “Overall, the institute directly positively correlates with student success in the program following admission.”

Programs such as these create a well-rounded experience for students transitioning beyond high school, said Matt Bishop, UGA Fanning Institute director.

“Incorporating leadership development into college preparedness and youth programming helps ensure that young people have all of the needed tools to succeed not just academically, but in their communities and future workplaces,” Bishop said.

For more information on youth leadership development, click here.

Writer: Charlie Bauder; 706-542-7039; charlie.bauder@fanning.uga.edu

The University of Georgia will provide support to eight programs around the state through the fourth year of an annual leadership initiative.

This week, the UGA J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development announced the eight recipients of the 2023 Innovations in Community Leadership Initiative.

Launched in 2020 by the UGA Fanning Institute, the Innovations in Community Leadership Initiative provides technical expertise and resources to support communities and organizations in starting or enhancing leadership development programming.

This year’s recipients are:

• Adel-Cook County Chamber of Commerce and Berrien County Chamber of Commerce – build and deliver Phase Two of Leadership in Neighboring Communities, a multi-county adult leadership program
• Atlanta Continuum of Care/Partners for Home – develop a leadership program for individuals with lived experience of housing insecurity to lead systems transformation in their local community
• Baxley-Appling County Chamber of Commerce – develop Youth Leadership Appling, a youth leadership program in Appling County
• Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce – update and enhance programming in Leadership Glynn, the county’s adult leadership program
• Burke County Chamber of Commerce – develop a youth leadership program in Burke County
• Cordele-Crisp Chamber of Commerce – implement curriculum and resources around inclusive leadership as well as multigenerational leadership to Leadership Crisp, the county’s adult leadership program
• Fitzgerald-Ben Hill Chamber of Commerce – develop and implement Fitz Leads, a new adult community leadership program for Ben Hill County
• Washington County Chamber of Commerce – revamp and update Washington County’s adult leadership program, Washington LEADS

“We currently do not have a leadership program to equip emerging leaders from any walk of life with the resources they need to be effective community leaders,” said Melissa Dark, president and CEO of the Fitzgerald-Ben Hill Chamber of Commerce. “With UGA’s help, we envision each class of Fitz Leads including a diverse group of emerging leaders with a shared desire to build a brighter community that could serve as a model for other rural communities.”

In its first three years, the UGA Fanning Institute has worked with 21 organizations across 23 counties through the Innovations in Community Leadership Initiative to both develop and revitalize community-based leadership programs for all ages and help nonprofit organizations develop leadership programming for staff and clientele.

Recipients of the Innovations in Community Leadership Initiative are expected to develop and implement a sustainable, multi-year leadership development program utilizing the tools and resources supplied by UGA Fanning Institute faculty and staff.

“Encouraging and preparing current and future leaders of all ages to engage meaningfully in their communities is vital to a community’s success,” said Matt Bishop, director of the UGA Fanning Institute. “This year’s recipients demonstrate a commitment to that belief and a plan to expand leadership development within their community’s framework. We look forward to supporting those efforts.”

Final program planning on this year’s projects is currently underway and work on this year’s projects will begin starting this fall.

The UGA Fanning Institute will begin accepting applications for the next round of the Innovations in Community Leadership Initiative in early 2024.

For more information on the UGA Fanning Institute’s Innovations in Community Leadership Initiative, click here.

Writer: Charlie Bauder; 706-542-7039; charlie.bauder@fanning.uga.edu
Contact: Brittany Adams-Pope; 706-542-7044; brittany.adams-pope@fanning.uga.edu

Freddie Gavin had the dream of building out a multimedia recording studio in McDuffie County and, with the assistance of the University of Georgia, his dream is moving closer to reality.

Gavin is one of nine emerging entrepreneurs to graduate from the inaugural Thomson-McDuffie Entrepreneurial Leadership Academy. He is currently working to expand his multimedia business, The Music Cave, into a full-service recording studio in downtown Thomson.

“I had this idea, but I never knew what it took to make it happen,” Gavin said. “Through this program, UGA gave me a blueprint for how to successfully run a business, move it forward, and lead my team.”

The UGA J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development developed the program in partnership with the UGA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for Thomson-McDuffie County, a UGA Archway Partnership community.

Brittany Adams-Pope, UGA Fanning Institute public service faculty, provided leadership training to help the entrepreneurs understand how to enhance their own leadership skills and recognize the strengths of those around them to effectively collaborate within a business.

“Sometimes, people do not have self-awareness of who they are as a leader,” Gavin said. “This program taught me so much about myself as a leader and how I relate as a leader to others. The leadership component is so critical to this program because it helps me build better relationships, which is crucial to running a business successfully.”

Gavin also learned skills for effectively managing and leading his team and employees, he said.

“I have learned how to step back to empower others as a leader,” Gavin said. “It is not about me, but about the business. I have built a team of knowledgeable and capable individuals, and this has shown me how important it is to trust the team I have in place.”

Meanwhile, the UGA Augusta SBDC office, led by Rick McMurtrey, area director, provided training in areas such as developing a business plan, finance and marketing.

“Rick is a saving grace,” Gavin said. “He has helped me take my idea and, with his practical experience, helped me set up projections and a plan that I can take to a bank to try and secure funding to build my business.”

Gavin hopes to soon secure funding to build his studio in downtown Thomson and is also planning to become involved with the Thomson-McDuffie Chamber of Commerce.

“This program not only supports small business development, but it engages emerging community leaders who may not have access to traditional leadership programs,” said Don Powers, president and CEO of Forward McDuffie and chairman of the Thomson-McDuffie Archway Partnership Executive Committee.

Forward McDuffie, an economic and community development organization, utilized the UGA Fanning Institute’s Innovations in Community Leadership Initiative to begin the entrepreneurial leadership academy.

The Innovations in Community Leadership Initiative, launched in 2020, provides technical assistance and resources to support communities and organizations in starting or enhancing leadership development programming.

“For communities to remain vibrant, they must support and develop the next generation of community leaders and decision-makers,” Powers said. “Along with our other leadership programming, the entrepreneurial leadership academy plays a key role in doing that here in Thomson.”

Leadership development is just one way that UGA has supported Thomson-McDuffie County. An Archway Partnership community since 2017, Thomson-McDuffie County was the first Georgia community to earn the university’s Connected Resilient Community designation.

Through the Renaissance Strategic Visioning and Planning Process (RSVP), led by the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government, Thomson developed a downtown strategic plan. Meanwhile, McDuffie County is also developing a plan to grow tourism and recreational activities on the county portion of Clarks Hill Lake with faculty and student support from the UGA College of Environment and Design and a plan for infrastructure improvements with support from the UGA College of Engineering.

“From filling our leadership pipeline to developing tourism and infrastructure, we have programs in place and are way ahead of where we were six years ago when started working with UGA through Archway,” Powers said.

As for Gavin, he encouraged anyone to take advantage of the resources available through UGA.

“I would encourage anyone to take advantage of a program like the entrepreneurial leadership academy or any of the resources available through UGA,” Gavin said. “They have been so beneficial to me and I know they would help others too.”

Writer: Charlie Bauder; 706-542-7039; charlie.bauder@fanning.uga.edu
Contact: Brittany Adams-Pope; 706-542-7044; brittany.adams-pope@fanning.uga.edu

An Athens-based, multi-county nonprofit aims to prepare itself for growth by working with the University of Georgia to develop leaders within its organization.

The UGA J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development has developed a leadership skills and mentoring program for Brightpaths Athens, an organization that works to build stronger families through education, connection and support in Clarke, Barrow, Jackson, Madison, Oconee, Oglethorpe and Walton counties.

“As we expand and hire additional staff, we are welcoming new professionals and are committed to supporting their growth while ensuring our organization grows sustainably,” said Grace Arthur, Brightpaths Athens senior clinical supervisor. “We see working with UGA as an opportunity to invest in our people and foster a culture of growth and collaboration within our agency, preparing our future leaders and managers to succeed.”

In addition, Brightpaths hopes participants will be able to pass those leadership skills on to parents who work with the organization, helping the greater community.

“If a community is like a puzzle, providing these leadership skills to parents will equip them with tools and skills to navigate challenges and strengthen their families,” said Tiara Smith, Brightpaths Athens program manager.

Between now and June, UGA Fanning Institute faculty are providing leadership skills training to Brightpaths’ staff members as well as parents who serve on the organization’s parent advisory board.

“This UGA program is unique because it is supporting staff collaboration and development, while giving them tools to develop family and caregiver leadership skills,” said Leslie Hale, UGA Fanning Institute public service faculty member and MENTOR Georgia executive director. “We are doing this by covering topics such as how to lead through change, understanding leadership styles and intergenerational differences, and managing difficult conversations – all of which is valuable in both professional and family settings.”

These leadership skills are helping the organization think about its growth differently, said Jennifer Henderson, Brightpaths Athens program director.

“It can be easy to sail along, but as leaders, we need to be intentional about our mindset and the culture we cultivate,” Henderson said. “These skills are helping us think about growth intentionally and how to lead other staff through these changes successfully.”

Along with the leadership skills training, the program pairs participants to form mentoring relationships and teaches best practices for mentoring and being mentored.

“Developing strong mentoring relationships provides leaders at all levels with support and feedback that supports the practical application of their leadership skills, while also building the connections that underpin a positive organizational culture,” Hale said.

Including a mentorship component plays a key role in the program, according to Arthur, Smith and Henderson, who are all participants.

“As our staff grows, we can all learn from each other’s perspective,” Smith said.

Brightpaths developed this program through the UGA Fanning Institute’s Innovations in Community Leadership Initiative, which provides resources and training for communities and organizations across Georgia that aspire to develop or revamp leadership programming.

“Investing in leadership development helps organizations move forward sustainably and more effectively engage in the communities they serve,” said Matt Bishop, director of the UGA Fanning Institute. “This equips communities to address challenges and build a strong future. We are proud to partner with Brightpaths Athens on this investment in its present and future.”

The UGA Fanning Institute is now accepting applications for the 2023 Innovations in Community Leadership Initiative. The deadline is April 15.

For more information on the Innovations in Community Leadership Initiative or to apply, click here.

Writer: Charlie Bauder; 706-542-7039; charlie.bauder@fanning.uga.edu
Contact: Leslie Hale; 706-542-7149; lhale@uga.edu

Created in 2015 as a partnership between the Middle Georgia Regional Commission and the University of Georgia J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, a unit of UGA Public Service and Outreach, the Middle Georgia Regional Leadership Champions program has set out to build a network of people with the leadership skills and understanding to collaborate across geographic regions to strengthen communities throughout Middle Georgia.

As a participant in the 2020 Middle Georgia Regional Leadership Champions program, Jonathan Pitts and his classmates learned how economic challenges impact the 11 counties surrounding Macon. that make up the Middle Georgia Regional Commission.

“Several of us felt like we had an opportunity to do something on a regional level to try and tackle this issue,” said Pitts, a Jones County resident who chairs the JACOR Foundation, which is focused on expanding financial literacy education and access. “We decided to start a financial literacy program for youth.”

In the 2021-22 school year, Pitts and others worked with the Jones County School System to introduce a financial literacy seminar series, reaching 45 students with information on topics such as banking, real estate, insurance, accounting and financial planning.

“The class proved very beneficial,” said Laura Rackley, executive director of human resources for the Jones County School System. “It makes an impact when students can engage directly with professionals working in finance, and those representatives can help our students learn good financial habits early. We even had a couple of students that considered pursuing different careers after hearing the information.”

Attending the UGA leadership program played a key role in bringing this to fruition, Pitts said.

“The Middle Georgia Regional Leadership Champions program gave me a chance to connect and collaborate with others around the region with a common interest in enhancing our communities, as well as enhance my leadership skills and community engagement,” Pitts said. “It is an amazing program and a win-win for the region to work in partnership with UGA.”

“Especially with such a large employer like Warner Robins Air Force Base, we find that what happens in one community affects neighboring counties and vice versa,” said Laura Mathis, executive director for the Middle Georgia Regional Commission. “Looking at that, we wanted to invest in leadership development that prioritized collaboration across county boundaries to help neighboring communities benefit from one another, rather than working in isolation.”

The UGA program combines discussion on regional issues such as housing, health care, and economic opportunity with leadership skills development.

“In designing this curriculum, we focus on skills particularly applicable in the context of regionalism, such as adaptive leadership, collaboration, and how to lead through change,” said Brittany Adams-Pope, UGA Fanning Institute public service faculty member.

Since its creation, more than 130 individuals representing all 11 counties in the Middle Georgia Regional Commission have completed the program, and 100 percent of participants said the program prepared them to make the region better.

Completing its sixth class this past fall, the leadership program is garnering national attention.

The National Association of Development Organizations recognized the Champions program with the 2022 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award. This award recognizes projects that have advanced regional economic development and improved quality of life and made significant impacts on their regions.

“We are very proud of the partnership with the UGA Fanning Institute and the way in which this program has impacted individuals and the region as a whole,” Mathis said. “Collaborations such as this help generate progress on a regional level, and the program fosters those while increasing regional awareness and understanding.”

Jones County has expanded the financial literacy program into its 12th-grade economics course, reaching all seniors, Rackley said.

After the financial literacy program’s first year, which also included a financial literacy essay contest and reaching out to parents about the importance of starting college savings accounts for their children, Pitts aims to continue to grow the program.

“I am hoping that I can show others what has happened in Jones County and give them a template that they can use in their respective counties,” he said.

For more information on the UGA Fanning Institute’s regional leadership programming, click here.

Writer: Charlie Bauder; 706-542-7039; charlie.bauder@fanning.uga.edu
Contact: Brittany Adams-Pope; 706-542-7044; brittany.adams-pope@fanning.uga.edu

The University of Georgia has received a $1.5 million pledge from Chick-fil-A, Inc. to support the development of a new statewide youth leadership program and an annual youth leadership summit at UGA.

Fanning Institute faculty member Jason Estep talks with students during the 2023 InnovateU program at UGA (Photo credit: Charlie Bauder/J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development)

“I am immensely grateful to our friends at Chick-fil-A for their generosity and their commitment to helping the University of Georgia make a positive impact on our home state,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “Building the leadership capacity of our youth is essential to securing a bright future for Georgia for generations to come.”

The new Youth Lead Georgia program will provide college-and-career readiness through leadership development for 30 to 40 rising high school sophomores and juniors each year from across the state.

In addition, a youth leadership summit will take place each year on the UGA campus, bringing together high school students who represent all 159 counties in Georgia.

“Today’s young people are our future, which is why Chick-fil-A is proud to support Youth Lead Georgia and its leadership development efforts across our state,” said Brent Fielder, senior director of corporate social responsibility for Chick-fil-A, Inc.  “This program provides an opportunity to bridge geographic distances and address socioeconomic disparities by creating a network of young leaders throughout Georgia and teaching them essential leadership skills — like integrity, conflict resolution and strong communication —so they can contribute meaningfully to their communities.”

The J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, a unit of UGA Public Service and Outreach, will create and implement both Youth Lead Georgia and the annual summit.

“Creating a pipeline of leaders is one of the most important things a community can do to support its long-term sustainability and resilience,” said Jennifer Frum, vice president for UGA Public Service and Outreach. “This generous pledge from Chick-fil-A will allow us to help teenagers across the state develop leadership skills that support their personal success and strengthen the communities they call home.”

During Youth Lead Georgia, participants will learn leadership skills, develop awareness of issues facing Georgia and explore ways to apply their knowledge to issues within their communities. Youth will also have an opportunity to explore postsecondary pathways, career opportunities, and local industries.

“Together, Youth Lead Georgia and the annual youth leadership summit will bring young people together to develop skills that will help them succeed after graduating high school, and they will build a community of future leaders equipped to strengthen our state,” said Matt Bishop, Fanning Institute director. “We are proud to partner with Chick-fil-A on this effort and appreciate its commitment to Georgia’s future.”

The Fanning Institute will partner with youth leadership development organizations from around Georgia for student recruitment and program delivery.

Information regarding the nomination process will be announced soon, and the inaugural Youth Lead Georgia program will begin in 2023.

Writer: Charlie Bauder; 706-542-7039; charlie.bauder@fanning.uga.edu

The program aims to improve education for homeless and former foster children

Funding from two foundations will enable a statewide network housed at the University of Georgia to improve education for youth who have experienced homelessness or foster care.

Embark Georgia, a program housed at the UGA J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, received $800,000 from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and $750,000 from the Joseph B. Whitehead Child Well-Being Fund to strengthen and expand the network’s efforts across the state.

Fewer than 10 percent of youth who have experienced foster care earn a college degree, studies show. As adults, they are paid less than employees with a postsecondary education and are more likely to be unemployed.

“The challenges to postsecondary success that young people who have experienced foster care and/or homelessness face can significantly impact their futures,” said Matt Bishop, director of the Fanning Institute. “We are grateful to these organizations for their remarkable investment in Embark Georgia. These resources will allow more young people to succeed in pursuing their educational goals.”

Since 2012, Embark Georgia has worked with agencies across Georgia to increase college access and retention for youth who have experienced foster care or homelessness. Through Embark Georgia, each University System of Georgia and Technical College System of Georgia campus has a point of contact to help identify and provide resources to students who have experienced homelessness or foster care.

“By providing leadership skills training, guidance on best practices and available resources, Embark Georgia empowers leaders on campuses around the state to build the collaborations and partnerships necessary to ensure these students receive the support they deserve and need to succeed,” Bishop said.

This new funding will allow Embark Georgia to provide additional assistance for those designated points of contact, expand collaboration of the overall network by building regional coalitions to share resources and best practices, collect and analyze data to understand better the educational outcomes of these students, and invest in the Embark Summer Precollegiate Program, an annual event on the UGA campus.

“With the backing of these foundations, we will provide technical assistance, which will strengthen our campus and statewide networks and ultimately improve the level of student support,” said David Meyers, Fanning Institute public service faculty and Embark Georgia co-network director. “We are excited to elevate and expand this work to meet the needs of these students and appreciate the partnership of these two organizations. We share a vision for the bright future of these young people.”

This funding already helped support the 2022 Embark Georgia Leadership Conference, held Oct. 25 – 26 at the UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel in Athens, Ga.

Around 150 professionals attended this year’s conference, which focused on youth perspective.  In addition to a panel discussion with former foster youth who have navigated the college system, attendees participated in a college access simulation activity that demonstrated some of the struggles facing students who may lack consistent family support systems.

“The simulation was entirely too real,” said Jackie Taylor, a social worker with Dalton Public Schools. “I have known so many students who go to college and face the barriers that we experienced through the simulation and end up dropping out.”

Providing that perspective is a key part of the simulation, said Lori Tiller, Fanning Institute public service faculty and Embark Georgia co-network director.

“The simulation gives people the experience of navigating what is already a complicated process, while encountering the additional barriers that can impact students’ ability to complete their education,” Tiller said.

Other speakers included statewide and national leaders in the areas of higher education, child welfare, and K-12 education sharing programmatic best practices and policy updates.

“I always find this conference so helpful,” said Ritchie Parker, a case coordinator with the Gwinnett County Department of Child Advocacy and Juvenile Services. “It is so important because working in the field, you still may not always know how to ensure young people get connected to all the available resources and coming to the conference allows us to continue gathering that information.”

Networking is also a key aspect of the conference, said Taylor.

“It is a great opportunity to bring K-12 educators, postsecondary educators and child welfare professionals together to work towards one goal, supporting these young people in achieving their goals,” she said.

For more information on Embark Georgia, click here.

Writer: Charlie Bauder; 706-542-7039; charlie.bauder@fanning.uga.edu
Contact: David Meyers; 706-542-5062; dmeyers@fanning.uga.edu