Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network Invests in Rural Education with TMC Labs
Exciting news came to Twiggs, Hart, and Greene counties as The Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network (GSAN), a proud division of Voices for Georgia’s Children, made a substantial investment in rural education with the Think Make Create (TMC) Labs initiative. This project benefited over 7,500 kids during summer and continues to enhance afterschool programming throughout the year.
Georgia was one of only seven states to roll out TMC Labs, showing its deep commitment to innovative education practices. Labs, converted mobile trailers outfitted with safety and accessibility mechanisms (pictured), were packed with tools and resources that helped students in rural areas explore, create, and innovate.
“Quality education and innovative learning tools shouldn’t have been limited by where you live,” said Katie Landes, Director of GSAN. “We wanted to bridge the educational gap by giving students the resources they needed to succeed. TMC Labs were a game-changer, ensuring all students could develop essential skills and discover their passions.”
TMC Labs were mobile makerspaces where students could dive into hands-on learning. They were equipped with all sorts of tools and materials to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. By integrating these resources into afterschool and summer programs, GSAN gave students unique opportunities to develop skills crucial for their future.
Dr. Bronwyn Ragan-Martin, Deputy Superintendent for the Office of Rural Education and Innovation, highlighted the importance of these labs: “We were thrilled that these mobile makerspaces were in rural districts that often lacked resources. Rural students definitely benefited from these curated STEM experiences.”
This initiative was a strategic move to tackle educational disparities in rural Georgia. GSAN aimed to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. This investment showed their dedication to supporting the academic and personal growth of all students, no matter where they lived.
STEM education is vital for the future workforce. 60% of jobs in Georgia are STEM-related, and 60% of those do not require a bachelor’s degree. This underscores the importance of providing STEM education to all students, especially those in rural areas who might not have had the same access to resources as their peers in other parts of the state.
“Voices was deeply committed to expanding access to afterschool and summer programs, which provided essential learning opportunities for our youth,” said Judy Fitzgerald, Executive Director of Voices for Georgia’s Children. “The TMC Labs ensured children in rural communities had the tools and resources they needed to thrive academically and creatively. By developing these skills, children gained the confidence needed to succeed in the 21st century.”
For more information about the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network and the Think Make Create Labs initiative, visit afterschoolga.org or contact Gregory Doss at gdoss@georgiavoices.org.