September 17, 2025

August Recap: The Power of Partnerships

The Pathways to Partnerships (P2P) program had an inspiring and productive August, strengthening community connections, engaging students, and expanding services across Georgia. 

Group of people sitting in a circle around a table
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CIL instructors engaged in collaborative discussions as the team took a deep dive into P2P Pathway to Dreams curriculum, while building skills and teamwork to better support and empower students this year.

Spotlight: Richards Middle School Open House 

On Thursday, August 28, the P2P team was honored to join Richards Middle School in Columbus for their annual Open House. This event offered a valuable opportunity to connect with parents, students, and families while introducing the P2P curriculum and Access 2 Independence (A2I) Center for Independent Living services. 

Families learned about the supports and resources available through both P2P and A2I, including programming designed to empower students and strengthen community partnerships. Classroom instruction at Richards Middle School officially begins next week with a Meet and Greet to welcome students and families into a new year of growth, discovery, and achievement. 

By the Numbers: August Impact 

  • Pathways to Dreams (6th –8th):
    • 81 students (6th–8th grade) signed up for lessons in August
    • 172 P2P services were delivered to students and families during the month
  • Bridging the Gap (18-22 years old):
    • 26 students enrolled in the program
    • 9 students enrolled in post-secondary education and 4 secured competitive integrated employment
  • P2P welcomed a new Educator Liaison, Peggy Davenport, whose expertise will help deepen school partnerships and enhance program delivery. 

Pathway to Dreams Lessons at Warner Robins & Feagin Mill Middle Schools 

 

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Students at Feagin Mill Middle School brainstormed their personal strengths, such as skills, talents, and positive attributes, highlighting the unique qualities each student brings to their classroom community!

Students at Warner Robins Middle School (WRMS) and Feagin Mill Middle School (FMMS) participated in engaging Pathway to Dreams lessons this month. Feagin Mill Middle School students reflected on personal strengths, passions, and challenges. They set personal goals and discussed how their unique qualities can shape their future careers. Warner Robins Middle School students completed a career interest inventory to explore career pathways aligned with their strengths and passions, helping them envision steps toward their dream jobs. 

 

Professional Learning Highlight: The Power of Us Conference 

In August, P2P proudly hosted its first CIL Instructor Mini Professional Learning Conference, “The Power of Us,” at Roosevelt Warm Springs. Instructors and peer mentors from seven Centers for Independent Living across Georgia came together for two days of team building, curriculum updates, and strategy-sharing. The conference strengthened collaboration between Cohort 1 (Pilot CILs) and Cohort 2 (Replication CILs), with Pilot sites sharing lessons learned and new CILs gaining confidence for implementation. Participants left with fresh tools, stronger connections, and a renewed commitment to supporting youth with disabilities in their journey toward competitive integrated employment (CIE). 

Looking Ahead 

With strong momentum from August, P2P is excited to continue delivering high-quality lessons and expanding services throughout the fall. From career exploration to community engagement, we are proud to partner with schools, families, and organizations to ensure every student has the tools they need to thrive. 

The contents of this article were developed under grant H421E230027 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this article may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this planner does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any Federal agency. (EDGAR 75.620)