We’re excited to announce that Project Access was honored with the 2023 CEHD Partnership Award by Georgia State University’s College of Education & Human Development (CEHD). We were acknowledged at the recent CEHD Partnership Award Luncheon on November 7, recognizing our commitment to community enrichment.

Left to Right: Dr. Paul Alberto, Dean, College of Education & Human Development (Georgia State University), Linda Tran, Volunteer Services Manager (Project Access), Dr. Omer Ari, Clinical Assistant Professor (Georgia State University), Melanie Spencer, Program Director East Coast/Midwest (Project Access) Jamaila Winn, Jeffania Cherry, Resident Services Manager (Project Access), DaShaunda Patterson, Associate Dean, College of Education & Human Development (Georgia State University)

The CEHD Partnership Award recognizes exceptional partnerships forged between the college and community organizations dedicated to advancing education and the greater good through collective initiatives. Honorees are recognized and applauded for their outstanding contributions to education and community development.

Left to Right: Melanie Spencer, Program Director East Coast/Midwest (Project Access), Dr. Omer Ari, Clinical Assistant Professor (Georgia State University)

Clinical Assistant Professor Omer Ari recognized the incredible impact of Project Access’ community partnership with the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.) in Human Learning and Development program. Our sincere thanks, Dr. Omer Ari, for the nomination, recognizing Project Access’ invaluable contributions to the local community.

Omer Ari, Clinical Assistant Professor (Georgia State University)

Under this partnership, students enrolled in the B.I.S. program gain an interdisciplinary understanding of human learning and development through diverse courses and a semester-long internship. Project Access plays a pivotal role in providing meaningful internship placements, offering students hands-on experience in various areas such as language and literacy development for young children, after-school tutoring, financial literacy skill development for young adults, career and college counseling for adolescents, and wellness programs for families and community members.

Our co-honoree at the luncheon was the Alliance Theatre Institute, an organization committed to enhancing education. Collaborating with school districts and educational institutions, the Alliance brings arts-integrated and theater-based instruction to students and provides professional development opportunities for educators. Associate Professor Michelle Zoss nominated the institute for its remarkable 10-year partnership with the college’s Departments of Middle and Secondary Education (MSE) and Early Childhood and Elementary Education (ECEE).

Left to Right: Gertrude Tinker Sachs, Department Chair, Middle and Secondary Education, College of Education and Human Development (Georgia State University), Melanie Spencer, Program Director East Coast/Midwest (Project Access)

Both Project Access and the Alliance Theatre Institute have demonstrated their dedication to expanding the horizons of CEHD students and enriching their expertise. As DaShaunda Patterson, CEHD Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Equity, aptly puts it, “Through our partnerships with these organizations, our students are learning how to bring new approaches to supporting the variety and diversity of the stakeholders in the communities that they will eventually serve as professionals. We are grateful for the partnerships that allow us to support successful outcomes for our students and our communities.”

Left to Right: Dr. Paul Alberto, Dean, College of Education & Human Development (Georgia State University), Omer Ari, Clinical Assistant Professor (Georgia State University), Melanie Spencer, Program Director East Coast/Midwest (Project Access), DaShaunda Patterson, Associate Dean, College of Education & Human Development (Georgia State University)

To learn more about the CEHD Partnership Award and the remarkable collaborations shaping the future of education and community well-being, please visit https://education.gsu.edu/cehd-partnership-award.

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