North Georgia College & State University School of Education Georgia Appalachian Center for Higher Education

GACHE’s Mission The mission of the Georgia Appalachian Center for Higher Education is to encourage and assist at-risk high school students to continue their education in postsecondary schools.

GACHE’s Purpose Housed on the campus of North Georgia College & State University in the School of Education, GACHE seeks to serve high school students in the North Georgia Appalachian region. Its aims to: – Develop close relationships with schools – Provide grant awards – Raise awareness about higher education – Provide technical assistance to schools

GACHE’s Purpose cont… GACHE is funded by North Georgia College & State University and the Appalachian Regional Commission to serve as a community resource center. As part of the Appalachian Higher Education Network and one of nine centers in the Appalachian region, GACHE provides information and funds to schools to increase student opportunities for pursuing a higher education.

GACHE’s Target There are currently 37 counties in Georgia designated as Appalachian Region counties. While all counties in the area and state may benefit from the center's efforts, eleven have been targeted because their youth have rates of extremely low postsecondary education, high drop-out, and very low college completion Targeted Georgia Counties: BanksChattoogaDade Elbert FanninFranklinGilmer Gordon Lumpkin MurrayWalker

Why Appalachians Don’t go to College… Born to abject poverty where sheer survival is a basis need Welfare is common and education is not emphasized No college-educated role model Dysfunctional families No stimulation in K-12 to think about college as an option to get out of poverty

Why Appalachians don’t go to College, con’t Insufficient academic preparation in high school Lack of information and misinformation about higher education and its financing Teen pregnancy Need for immediate gratification Absence of dreams and clear goals

No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship - Dr. James Comer

GACHE Grantees Dade County HS LaFayette HS, Walker County Franklin County HS Lumpkin County HS Calhoun HS, Calhoun City Schools Gordon Central HS, Gordon County Murray County HS

Award Winning Proposals Post-secondary trips for all students Regular parent meetings with financial information available College materials accessible Early guidance on courses to take to prepare for career/college Set goals and plans for the future Opportunities for real-world learning Improved academic preparation MAKING COLLEGE AN EXPECTATION… KDG THROUGH 12 TH GRADE!!

GACHE’s Best Practices Showcase December 6, 2006 – Successful high schools from our region and other states – Students – Reality Store – Motivational speakers who have a story to tell about a significant relationship that influenced and changed their lives – Resource information

GACHE’s Partners Presidents and Chief Academic Officers of 21 two and four year Colleges and Technical Colleges in our area Friends of GACHE Community Organizations Business Partners NGCSU CORE (Community OutReach for Education) Team

For More About GACHE Contact: – Shirley Davis, Program Director, – Cindy Teston, Program Coordinator, OR – The GACHE website,