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On Tuesday, February 1, at 4 p.m., Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) and Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) will host a joint signing ceremony marking the start of new strengthened collaborative efforts to prepare today’s students to be tomorrow’s leaders. 

The new agreement, to be signed by GGC President Jann L. Joseph and GCPS Superintendent Calvin J. Watts, will enhance connections between the college and Gwinnett County Public Schools, 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, create stronger pathways to college, and build a sustainable system that encourages positive outcomes for Gwinnett students over time.

Joseph and Watts are excited about creating new opportunities for Gwinnett County students.

“GCPS is an award-winning school district that seeks to prepare its students to successfully navigate college and their careers,” said Watts. “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,” said 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. Initiatives under study include:

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

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

• A pathway for students enrolled in high school technical programs to pursue to higher education programs. 

The relationship between GGC and GCPS is symbiotic, benefitting 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,” said Watts. “This collaboration will create a stronger high school and college student – and, ultimately, a stronger Gwinnett County.”

The GGC-GCPS Agreement Signing ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. in the Heritage Room, third floor, Daniel J. Kaufman Library & Learning Center on GGC’s campus. Media should contact GGC Public Relations Director Jacqueline Todd (@email or 470-222-9939) for a campus parking pass.