Gwinnett County and Explore Gwinnett, the county’s tourism and hospitality arm, will invest $500,000 of Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery funds in improving key areas of the local hospitality and tourism sectors negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson says: “The arts and entertainment industries contribute significantly to our county’s vibrant culture and economy. We’re proud to use this portion of federal funding to invest in their success, and we look forward to seeing these industries continue to thrive here.”
The funding will be distributed to support the following initiatives:
- The Arts Recovery Program, an initiative of Explore Gwinnett, will receive $100,000 to help arts and entertainment-based nonprofits pay rent and utility costs.
- Explore Gwinnett will partner with nonprofit FreshFilms to use $150,000 towards creating a workforce readiness program with Meadowcreek and Berkmar High Schools. The program will prepare graduates for ready-to-fill jobs in Georgia’s entertainment industry.
- Explore Gwinnett will also use $250,000 to lease 115 Flock license plate readers to improve safety and curb car theft. The license plate readers will be placed at 110 locations across Gwinnett, especially around hotels and at the Gas South District and Coolray Field.
The funds are provided through the American Rescue Plan Act.
GGC’s Grizzly Academy Dreamers have unique approach
Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) has introduced an after-school program for historically underserved elementary school students that will serve as a model for similar programs across Georgia.
Named “Grizzly Academy Dreamers,” the program serves third-fourth-and-fifth-graders from Jenkins and Lawrenceville Elementary Schools. The initiative was funded by a $1.75 million federal grant spearheaded by its director, Dr. Amber Jarrard Ebert, assistant professor of science education and secondary education department chair at GGC.
The program’s overarching goal is to create a community learning center that provides a safe and productive environment for children after school and provides resources, opportunities and services to their parents. Ebert said that student goals are rooted in academic support as an extension of the school day and include enrichment opportunities designed to bring in arts, expression, leadership and good citizenship.
Ebert says: “Currently, we offer STEP classes, STEAM (science, engineering, technology and math), journalism, entrepreneurship art, self-awareness, coding, drum and social-emotional learning classes during the sessions.”
The program is different from others because it also includes instruction sessions for parents for things like English as a Second Language, career assistance and budgeting.
Dr. Ebert adds: “I would venture to say that what we are doing is unique. I do not know of another institution in the state that brings students from K-12 to a college campus consistently for a dedicated program. This took well over a year to plan and implement but trust me, it’s very much worth it when you see the kids’ and parents’ reactions.”
Zaira Crawford, who graduated from GGC in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in education and works for Grizzly Academy Dreamers as one of its certified teachers, said she’s already seen the program have a meaningful impact on students in the short time it’s been operating.
“Some of the students were very timid and nervous when they first came into the program, but now they are always asking why the time has to end so quickly,” says Crawford. “I am happy to be a part of a growing program that creates a sense of belonging, improves social skills, provides academic support and, most importantly, makes learning fun for students.”
Grizzly Academy Dreamers currently serves 80 students. The team intends to expand its enrollment and curriculum offerings. Ebert said the program exposes students to a college atmosphere at an early age, significantly improving the probability that they will seek higher education later in life.
She also said the program would not be possible without collaboration with Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) which provides bus transportation, school resource officers and snacks for the students.
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