Pathways to Partnerships: October Recap

October was an inspiring month of growth, learning, and collaboration across Georgia for the Pathways to Partnerships (P2P) team! From launching new programs to delivering hundreds of student services and professional learning opportunities, P2P continues to empower students, families, and educators through innovative programming and meaningful partnerships.

 Program Numbers at a Glance

• 227 new 6–8th grade students enrolled in September
• 403 total students currently enrolled in Pathway to Dreams
• 916 services delivered to students in October

• 44 educators participated in professional learning for Atlanta Public Schools middle and high school teachers

  These numbers reflect the growing impact of Pathways to Partnerships as students and educators across Georgia engage in career exploration, skill development, and collaborative learning.

   

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Graphic of the weekly lessons from Elbert County schools

 Student Learning Highlights

Throughout October, students at Richards Middle School, Warner Robins Middle School and Feagin Mill Middle School participated in interactive lessons focused on Growth Mindset, Communication, Self-Advocacy, and Vocational Exploration.

• In Growth Mindset, students learned how positivity, persistence, and resilience contribute to success.
• Self-Advocacy lessons emphasized the importance of speaking up, asking for help, and standing up for oneself and others.
• In Communication, students strengthened their writing and digital communication skills across texts, emails, and letters.
• Through Vocational Exploration, students connected their personal strengths and interests to potential career paths.

We are thankful for our continued partnerships with GVRA, Disability Connections, and Houston County Schools, which make these rich learning experiences possible.

Pathway to Dreams Expands Statewide!

October saw continued expansion of Pathway to Dreams across Georgia:

• Polk County Schools (Cedartown MS & Rockmart MS) and Columbia County (Grovetown MS) kicked off Year 2 with lessons on goal setting, communication, and exploring dream careers.
• Lewis Frasier Middle School (Liberty County) launched its program with LIFE CIL, where students explored potential careers and essential soft skills.
• Atlanta Public Schools (APS) began districtwide implementation, reaching students at Ralph J. Bunche MS, John Lewis Invictus Academy, Sutton MS, and Sylvan Hills MS in partnership with disABILITY LINK CIL.
• Elbert County Middle School launched Pathway to Dreams with Multiplechoices CIL, helping students identify personal strengths and explore career options.

Each new site strengthens P2P’s mission of helping students dream big, build skills, and prepare for future success.

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Building stronger connections together! Thank you, Walton Options, for welcoming the Multiplechoices CIL team for a hands-on day of shared learning, collaboration, and student-centered teamwork.

 Professional Collaboration & Training

• The P2P and RWS Teams presented at the Georgia Parent Mentor Kickoff in Macon, spotlighting RWS Reimagined and the P2P Grant Project’s focus on family engagement and community partnerships.
• At the Georgia Vision Educators Statewide Training, P2P highlighted Pathway to Dreams, Bridging the Gap, and the Community of Practice for GVRA providers.
• In Atlanta Public Schools, the P2P Team collaborated with GVRA Transition Liaisons and disABILITY LINK to facilitate professional learning for exceptional education staff, helping educators connect P2P programming with GVRA resources and services.
• The P2P Team also joined the Metter GLRS Transition Alliance, sharing updates on P2P outcomes and strengthening partnerships across regions.
• Walton Options assisted Multiplechoices through peer-to-peer support in developing lessons and classroom strategies

Bridging the Gap Highlights

The annual Bridging the Gap Kickoff, hosted by Disability Connections, welcomed youth ages 14–22 to begin their journey toward postsecondary success. Students reflected on independent living and work readiness goals while connecting with peers and mentors.
In Columbia County, GVRA District 7, Walton Options, and Grovetown High School celebrated fifteen new BTG participants preparing for life after graduation through skill development and career planning.

Collaboration in Action

Centers for Independent Living demonstrated the power of partnership as Walton Options hosted Multiplechoices CIL at Grovetown Middle School for a day of shared learning and classroom collaboration. This peer-to-peer professional exchange focused on student engagement, lesson flow, and teamwork—showcasing the “Better Together” spirit of P2P.

Looking Ahead

As October came to a close, Pathway to Dreams students continued to set goals, explore Georgia’s 17 Career Clusters, and build essential communication and self-advocacy skills.

Across all partner districts and organizations, one message continues to shine:

We’re better together.

Through the continued partnerships among GVRA, Centers for Independent Living, and Georgia school districts, P2P remains dedicated to helping students discover their strengths, explore opportunities, and achieve their dreams.