Mercer University has been awarded a $134,197 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a Grow-Your-Own (GYO) program, with Wiregrass Georgia Technical College playing a key role in the partnership. The GYO program, led by Mercer University’s Tift College of Education, aims to recruit and provide support to future Computer Science teachers specifically in rural communities.
With the grant, Mercer will focus on recruiting potential Computer Science teachers from the student population in eight school districts in rural Georgia. Dr. Susie Morrissey, Assistant Professor at Mercer University’s Tift College of Education, expressed gratitude for the funding of the project, emphasizing the importance of creating a program to assist students interested in teaching Computer Science in rural areas.
Wiregrass Tech will play an integral part in the GYO program by providing resources and support to students who are interested in pursuing a career in Computer Science teaching. The college will offer workshops and training sessions to help students develop their skills and prepare for the classroom. In addition, Wiregrass Tech will work with local schools to identify areas where there is a shortage of Computer Science teachers and provide opportunities for students to participate in community service projects that address this issue.
The GYO program is an important initiative that aims to address the shortage of Computer Science teachers in rural areas of Georgia. By recruiting and supporting future teachers, the program will help ensure that these communities have access to quality education and technological advancements. With the support of Wiregrass Tech and other partners, Mercer University’s Tift College of Education is making a significant contribution to addressing one of Georgia’s most pressing educational challenges.
