April Recap: Empowering Students for Success Through Pathways to Partnerships

Resume-Building at Warner Robins Middle School

At Warner Robins Middle School, P2P students took the next step in their journey toward career readiness. Expanding on prior lessons about resume components, students began drafting their own resumes, gaining practical and vital skills for future success.

As the semester concludes, P2P extends heartfelt gratitude to Houston County for its unwavering collaboration. Through the Pathway to Dreams initiative, students received early soft skills development, career exploration opportunities, and vital resources from Disability Connections and the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA).

It's been incredibly rewarding to see students recognize the real-world relevance of these lessons—both in their current academic settings and in future professional environments. Together with Houston County Schools and our community partners, we continue laying the groundwork for long-term student achievement and competitive, integrated employment outcomes.

Celebrating Student Success in Polk County

The spotlight turned to Cedartown and Rockmart Middle Schools as students in grades 6–8 were celebrated for their active participation in the P2P program.

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Student receives an award from P2P staff

During the end-of-year awards ceremonies, students were recognized with P2P certificates, commemorative medals, and personalized Dream Books to encourage their future ambitions. Families joined in the celebration, creating a heartfelt and empowering moment for all.

P2P extends sincere appreciation to the Polk School District and the Northwest Georgia Center for Independent Living (NWGACIL) for their ongoing support. Their presence at the event underscored the strong community collaboration that makes the program a success. Adding to the excitement, students explored OBIE, an interactive projector system provided by NWGACIL, offering engaging educational experiences after the ceremony. The day was a testament to student growth, resilience, and the power of dreaming big.

P2P at Savannah’s Power of You Transition Fair

Rounding out the month, the P2P team joined the Living Independence for Everyone (LIFE) Center in Savannah for the Power of You Transition Fair. In collaboration with GVRA and LIFE, P2P shared crucial resources with students, educators, and caregivers as they prepare for life beyond high school. The event emphasized the importance of early planning and self-advocacy in the transition to post-secondary success.

NEW: P2P Implementation Guide Launch

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New 2025-26 P2P Implementation Guide

We are thrilled to unveil the New 2025-26 P2P Implementation Guide, a structured framework designed to support effective program delivery, partnership development, and interagency coordination. 

This essential resource equips professionals with tools to:

• Strengthen collaboration between schools, agencies, and community partners
• Enhance student outcomes through consistent, targeted supports
• Maximize program impact across service areas

We’re excited to begin using the guide in our upcoming Core Work Group and Team Connect meetings and look forward to the positive ripple effect it will have across the P2P network!

P2P “Bridging the Gap” Program Implementation Begins!

Exciting strides are being made in our Bridging the Gap (BTG) program! Youth participants are now setting Independent Living (IL) and Work Integration Goals, as well as Post-Secondary Education or Employment Goals, all while working closely with their assigned CIL Peer Mentors.

Together, they’re building targeted skills to support long-term success, with the overarching goal that 100% of participants gain the tools they need to thrive in their educational and professional journeys.

Current BTG Participation by Region:

• Disability Connections / GVRA District 6: 4 youth
• NWGACIL / GVRA District 1: 11 youth
• Walton Options / GVRA District 7: ~8 youth (final number to be confirmed)

The Bridging the Gap Programming has recently been added to the webpage! Be sure to check out all the updated resources on our P2P Resources Page.

We deeply appreciate the dedication of our VR Counselors and CIL Peer Mentors for their collaborative efforts in guiding youth toward their goals and dreams! Next month, we’ll be sharing not just the number of participants—but also how many services (peer mentoring sessions) they’ve received.

Looking Ahead

April’s activities underscore the mission of Pathways to Partnerships: empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to dream big and achieve meaningful futures. We are proud of every student, grateful to our partners, and excited for what lies ahead.

#PathwaysToPartnerships #StudentSuccess #CareerReady #DisabilityConnections #GVRA #PolkSchoolDistrict #HoustonCountySchools #LIFEcenter #DreamBig