Education

Get Involved

Our education system is an important stepping stone to a bright future for our students and is strengthened by continued support from community leaders, businesses, and nonprofits. There are many ways to get involved with educational institutions in the Athens area through K-12 and higher education. As the saying goes, it takes an entire community to graduate a child, and we need your help to do so.

Adopt-a-School Program

Business leaders, partner with a school today to help work towards a brighter future!

One of the the Chamber's core projects, the Education/Workforce Development Division, works to build focused partnerships between the businesses in our community and schools in the Clarke County School District. Creating a valued and valid workforce starts early and requires effort - by all of us.

Please consider adopting a local school. By participating, you show our young people what opportunities await them and give them hope for a brighter tomorrow.

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"Seeing is Believing" Bus Tour

In our hope to build a better connection between the business community and K-12 schools, we will reignite the “Seeing is Believing" Bus Tour in September of 2021. This day-long tour consists of taking business leaders onto the campus of several schools to see significant educational efforts that are taking place. This trip will also feature a panel discussion over lunch to discern more practical, effective ways we can help develop a valuable workforce for tomorrow. More information to come!

Employee of the Month Recognition

We believe that the fundamental building block of our community’s long term economic sustainability is outstanding public schools. We pledge to be engaged and involved in raising the profile of the good work that happens in the Clarke County School District every day. The “Employee of the Month” program recognizes and rewards staff members for their service and dedication to the students and families of the Clarke County School District. The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce along with member businesses support the Employee of the Month program by providing gifts for recognized teachers.

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Externships

Through the assistance of Georgia Power and the coordination of the NE Georgia Regional Commission, the Athens Chamber of Commerce supports the hosting of 15 local teachers to spend a week inside nearby manufacturing plants. These paid externships are designed to allow educators to see the new face of industrial development, building a better appreciation for skill sets needed and career opportunities for students.

UGA Internship Programs & Student Resources

There are a variety of ways to get involved with the University of Georgia as a business including the Bright Horizons Program, Experiential Learning Program, Worked Linked Opportunities, and the Student Industry Fellowship Program. Programs are focused on providing students hands on experience, cultivating innovation, and preparing students to succeed in the workforce. Visit our student resource page for more information.