The Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network (GSAN), a division of Voices for Georgia’s Children (Voices), is proud to announce a significant investment in the educational landscape of Twiggs, Hart and Greene counties through the provision of Think Make Create (TMC) Labs. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities for rural communities, serving more than 7,500 youth during the summer and afterschool programs throughout the school year.

Georgia is one of just seven states nationwide to implement TMC Labs, reflecting a strong commitment to innovative educational solutions. These labs are designed to provide access to essential tools and educational resources, empowering students in rural areas to explore, create, and innovate.

“Access to quality education and innovative learning tools should not be limited by geographic location,” said Katie Landes, director of GSAN. “Our goal is to bridge the educational gap by equipping students with the resources they need to succeed. The TMC Labs are a transformative step towards ensuring all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to develop essential skills and discover their passions.”

Dr. Bronwyn Ragan-Martin, Deputy Superintendent for the Office of Rural Education, and Innovation said, “We are delighted the mobile makerspaces will be located in rural districts that often lack access to resources. We know rural students will benefit from these curated STEM experiences.”

TMC Labs offer a dynamic environment where students can engage in hands-on learning experiences. These mobile labs are equipped with a variety of tools and materials that support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education. By integrating these resources into afterschool and summer programs, GSAN is providing students with unique opportunities to develop skills that are crucial for future success.

“Voices is deeply committed to expanding access to afterschool and summer programs, which provide essential learning opportunities for our youth,” said Judy Fitzgerald, executive director of Voices for Georgia’s Children. “The TMC Labs ensure children in rural communities have the tools and resources they need to thrive academically and creatively. By developing these skills, children are empowered with confidence needed to succeed in the 21st century.”

The implementation of TMC Labs is a strategic move to address the educational disparities in rural Georgia. With this initiative, GSAN aims to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. The investment is a testament to the organization’s dedication to supporting the academic and personal growth of all students, regardless of their geographic location.

For more information about the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network and the Think Make Create Labs initiative, please visit afterschoolga.org or email Gregory Doss at gdoss@georgiavoices.org.