SoCPS January News Brief

Welcome to a transformative year in the School of Continuing & Professional Studies!

As we embrace 2025, our commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence remains steadfast. With enhanced programs, innovative academic approaches, and stronger industry partnerships, we're positioned to help our students, our community, and partners in the state of Georgia achieve their educational, professional and enrichment aspirations in 2025!

Get involved with the School of Continuing & Professional Studies today!

Director, Ruth Eilers

ruth.eilers@gcsu.edu

Get ready for an exciting semester of scientific discovery! Our Academic Outreach team is bringing hands-on learning experiences to students across the region through our signature programs. From stargazing in our Starlab to monitoring local waterways, we're igniting curiosity and fostering the next generation of scientists.

Join us as we explore, experiment, and expand young minds through the power of science.

• Science Nights & Outreach: Academic Outreach kicks off evening Science Nights with the Starlab and hands-on activities at schools like Dames Ferry and Turner Woods Elementary. Additionally, AO will visit classrooms and provide science enrichment at schools such as Oak Hill Middle, Midway Hills Academy, and Gray Elementary.

• Enrichment Programs & Field Trips: Weekly science enrichment programs for homeschool groups, the Life Enrichment Center, and High Achievers Program resume after MLK Jr. Day. AO will also host groups like Jeffersonville Elementary, Georgia Cyber Academy, and Lakeview Primary for science activities on the GCSU campus.

• Thirst for Knowledge: Join GCSU's Thirst for Knowledge water quality monitoring sessions at Champion, Tobler, and Tanyard Creeks on January 24 and February 14. Visit our Adopt Stream Monitoring site for more information.

Director, Sequena Moon Stanton

sequena.stanton@gcsu.edu

ENGAGE and ADVANCE

To support the Imagine 2030 Strategic Plan, Afterschool Achievement is seeking to partner with the College of Business & Technology, the College of Education, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Health Sciences to support GCSU service-learning students and to provide supplemental programs to youth during afterschool times 3:30-6:30 pm.

If you are interested in partnering, please contact Sequena Stanton, Director of Afterschool Achievement at 478.445.5613.

For more information about Afterschool Achievement, check us out on the web! Afterschool Achievement

ENGAGE:

In January/February the HAP has/will collaborate with various campus and community outlets to prepare students to excel in a globally connected workforce. Partnerships include GCSU Academic Outreach, GCSU IT-Mr. John Johnson, and the GCSU Communications Department, and Tree Top Training, LLC.

• The HAP will be completing a seven-part financial literacy series with the Exchange Bank Community Outreach team.
  
  
• The HAP will be participating in a QPR Suicide Prevention session with Emily Jarvis (GCSU Asst. VP for Student Health & Wellness)

ADVANCE:

Program Coordinator, Kenneth Daniels, continues to solicit support for guest speakers in the HAP speaker series and to provide supplemental activities for the High Achievers Program.

In January/February students will learn from various guest Speakers including Rev. Anthony Fields, Keyaundria Livatt (Public Speaker & Author), and Cpt. Wes Hardin (GCSU Police Chief), Dr. Shaundra Walker (GCSU Professor of Library Science).

More of the HAP activities this month can be viewed on the newsletter tab in the High Achievers Newsletter.

The HAP can also be followed on Facebook at "Georgia Achievers".

To sign up as a guest speaker for the High Achievers Program, please email Program Coordinator, Mr. Kenneth Daniels at kenneth.daniels@gcsu.edu or contact Mr. Daniels at 478.445.8509.

ENGAGE-ADVANCE-INNOVATE:

The YES Programs at LVA and OHMS will provide serving learning opportunities to pre-education College of Education students in the Spring 2025.

The YES Programs at LVA and OHMS will provide academic and enrichment services to over 250 3-8 grade youth in Baldwin County.

For more information about the YES program, please contact Sequena Stanton at 478.445.5613. More about YES at LVA can be viewed in the LVA newsletter, and more about YES at OHMS can be viewed in the OHMS newsletter.

For more information about the YES program, please contact Sequena Stanton at 478.445.5613. More about YES at LVA can be viewed in the LVA newsletter, and more about YES at OHMS can be viewed in the OHMS newsletter.

Director, Courtney Bentley

courtney.bentley@gcsu.edu

Christi Tyson has worked as a Site Coordinator at Lakeview Academy with Communities In Schools of Milledgeville/Baldwin County since 2009. She has taken on the additional responsibilities of Data Administration for the past year. She is a critical part of the CISMBC team!

UPDATES:

Grant submissions:

• Georgia Reads: $25K to support the Read United program at Lakeview Primary and Midway Hills Primary.

• Knight Foundation: $10K for Neighborhood Leaders program

• Community Transformation Grant: $44K Read United, Home Library books for tutored students, blessing bags for students who are food insecure.

Interim Director, Dani Schulze

danielle.schulze@gcsu.edu

Flannery O'Connor is turning 100, March 25, 2025!

We have a slate of activities to engage and celebrate Flannery O'Connor in 2025.

From lectures to a music festival, we have something for everyone!

Visit Flannery at 100 to celebrate Flannery O'Connor's 100th Birthday!

Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion enjoyed a successful regular Christmas season, including sold-out Christmas Candlelight Tours.

Upcoming, Milledgeville will be hosting the Georgia Association of Museums Conference at the beginning of February. During this conference, museum professionals from across Georgia will visit and tour multiple Georgia College & State University museums, including the Mansion, Andalusia, and the Museum of Natural History.

Director, Angie Woodham

angie.woodham@gcsu.edu

CPE would like to thank Drs. Muschaweck, Willis and Hiller Crook, EdS, for their assistance with the Hancock County Head Start teacher professional development on January 7. They conducted a 5-hour workshop titled, Behavior Management Approaches for Young Children, A Make & Take Workshop.

New programming in Spring semester:

Swim Lessons: 8-week season of children's swim lessons. We're working to schedule lessons for adults in the future.

Cybersecurity & Fraud Awareness Workshop: In collaboration with GCSU IT and Hance Patrick, this online 2-hour workshop will show you the techniques that scammers use in today's web environment and help you identify and prevent loss from an online scam.

Master the Art of Grant Writing: A Comprehensive Workshop Series: In collaboration with Dr. Carrie Cook and Dr. Min Kim, this 4-session professional development series is designed for nonprofit professionals, educators, and community leaders seeking to enhance their grant writing skills.

Coming soon:

Private baseball lessons, children's safety classes and summer camp announcements!

Explore more professional development and personal enrichment activities by visiting our Continuing & Professional Education catalog.

Join us as we share information about the adventure to Rome and the Amalfi Coast.

Imagine fewer crowds, rich history, breathtaking coastlines and delicious Italian cuisine. Whether you're a culture enthusiast or a food lover, this 2025 program is the perfect winter escape.

Register for the Information Session

Thursday, February 27

12 p.m.

Zoom

Ready to Go?

Reserve Your Spot Today!

Need more information?

Angela Criscoe

angela.criscoe@gcsu.edu

478-445-2759

Discover the Academic Pathways to support your 2025 personal and professional goals!

The Office of Adult Learner Services at Georgia College & State University is dedicated to fostering academic success and professional development for our adult learner population. We understand that pursuing higher education while managing career and personal responsibilities requires specialized support and resources.

Through collaborative partnerships across campus, we create a supportive environment that recognizes and addresses the unique needs of adult learners. We offer personalized guidance throughout the academic journey, from initial program selection through graduation, ensuring our adult learners can navigate their educational path effectively.

Angela Criscoe

adultlearners@gcsu.edu

478-445-2759

Our mission is to enrich the economic, cultural, personal, and professional lives of Georgians through high-quality educational programs and comprehensive conference and academic support services.

We invite you to reach out with your ideas and suggestions as we continue to elevate our school, the university, our community partners, and families.