Richmond County is one of four Georgia school districts that will benefit from a new education equity program supported by funds from Georgia Power.
The company announced it is committing $3 million, distributed among the four districts, to “facilitate holistic generational change.” The districts will identify specific needs and opportunities to improve career readiness and economic stability, particularly in communities of color.
“Education is the foundation upon which our state’s economy is built and, the stronger and more equitable we can make the experience for learners at every level, the higher the potential for every Georgian and every community,” said Bentina Terry, Senior Vice President, Region External Affairs for Georgia Power. “At Georgia Power, we’re focused on making investments that move the needle and generate opportunity for real, inclusive economic growth.”
Superintendent Kenneth Bradshaw said the funds will be used to expand the Students2Work program.
“Starting this summer, we’re going to take some of that funding to continue to support our Students2Work program, which is an internship program that has been supported by Georgia Power. It is a post-secondary readiness so that we’ll have students ready once they graduate, to enter into the mainstream of the workforce,” he said.
Starting in the 2022-2023 school year, schools that feed into T.W. Josey High School and Westside High School, including Tutt Middle School and Murphey Middle School, will use funds to support reading programs and workforce readiness.
“Building on Georgia Power’s longstanding partnership with Richmond County School System through programs such as Learning Power and the success of the Marion Barnes Skilled Trade Center, we’re proud to continue to support local programs that prepare students for the careers of the future,” said Jason Cuevas, Vice President, East Region, Georgia Power.
Bradshaw said the district is also planning to support access to an early reading program for all students.
“Whether it’s supporting with books, extra planning, time, extra collaborating with those early learning centers, all of those will be positive possible solutions to address that issue,” he said, adding, “In order to build a workforce, you have to start with almost birth to age-three, before they even enter the school system.”
The superintendent also anticipates the return of the Parent University program. It helped parents who had not graduated high school earn up to six credits to get their diploma.
The other systems chosen for the initiative are Clayton County, Dougherty County and Savannah-Chatham County. Although each district will direct its individual programs, the districts will share information on best practices they have identified.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a general assignment reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
