More Than 200 Businesses, Organizations Support DCSS Through Partners in Education
More than 200 local businesses and organizations are currently supporting Douglas County Schools through Partners in Education (PIE).
Tekmekia Gilchrist, who serves on the PIE Board and is the DCSS Liaison in addition to her role as Executive Director of Teaching and Learning for DCSS, said these partnerships with local schools “not only provide much-needed resources and support to schools but also offer businesses the opportunity to actively engage with the school system.
“Partners in Education help to shape the future workforce and contribute to the overall well-being of our community,” Gilchrist said. “We are proud and honored to have so many partners that truly support the mission and vision of the Douglas County School System."
Dr. Deborah Johnson-Blake, the 2023-2024 Chair of PIE, said benefits of businesses and organizations partnering with PIE include:
Enhanced Community Engagement
Access to Talent Pipeline
Demonstrated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Professional Development Opportunities
Long-term Impact on Student Achievement
Johnson-Blake said one organization, 100 Black Men of Douglas County, has partnered with DCSS and PIE for several years and was recently featured in the Douglas County Sentinel and on WSB-TV for their work greeting students at New Manchester Elementary School on the 100th day of school.
Another partner, GreyStone Power, held a STEM DAY event at their Corporate Headquarters on April 18.
Last year, a third partner, the Carrollton-Douglasville Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., was awarded Partners in Education of Douglas County's Legacy Partner of Excellence. This fraternity has significantly impacted students by donating $15,800 to cover school lunch balances at all 20 elementary schools, Stewart Middle School, and Douglas County High School.
“We are immensely grateful for the invaluable partnerships forged through PIE, which have profoundly enriched our Douglas County School System students,” Johnson-Blake said. “Through collaborative efforts with businesses and organizations, including our dedicated PIE board members, we've witnessed transformative impacts on student success and the overall vitality of our school system.”