Partnering with the Clarke County School District (CCSD), the University of Georgia created Georgia Possible, a three-year pilot program for Clarke County high school students to better prepare them for success in the classroom while also increasing their awareness of the variety of postsecondary options available beyond high school graduation.
Coordinated by Fanning Institute faculty and staff, selected students met monthly throughout the school year to develop leadership skills, explore potential career opportunities, engage in academic guidance, and participate in community and cultural experiences. Discussion topics included effective communication, conflict and stress management, goal setting and understanding the college application process, among others.
Preliminary impact of the program is already clear. In 2018, 39 students enrolled to participate and 92%, or 36 students, are still participating in the third year. Additionally, students are connecting GA Possible experiences to their futures as evidenced by the following comments:
- “I feel like being in this program improved me as a person. I feel like I know myself more.”
- “GA Possible helped open us up to new things and new opportunities that can help us reach even greater heights in our career and life.”
- “If I could use two words to describe [GA Possible] it would be life changing. I have learned so much that could help me with college like how to talk to people, how to dress, and how to fill out an application.”
Georgia Possible is the result of a collaborative effort across the UGA campus which includes the Office of the President, Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach, Office of Community Relations and the Office of Institutional Diversity.
For more information on the program, contact Lauren Healey.
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