Gordon State College Leadership Academy Expands Reach, Impact
By Karolina Philmon, GSC marketing manager
Gordon State College’s Summer Leadership Development Academy marked significant growth in its second year, welcoming 51 students to its 2026 cohort. The academy grew by 76% from its inaugural year while producing strong academic outcomes.
The Summer Leadership Development Academy, or SLDA, prepares students for the academic and personal responsibilities of becoming successful full-time college students. Building upon the program’s inaugural year, GSC expanded the academy through increased campus collaboration, additional course opportunities and greater flexibility for participating students.
The results reflected that growth. Participants earned pass rates of 93% and 94% in their on-campus coursework and a 100% pass rate across online courses.
“The academy provided a life-changing experience for our students this summer,” said Dr. William Smith, GSC’s Title III project coordinator. “I believe we successfully gave them a true head start on college success, equipping them with the foundation and confidence to move forward in their academic journey.”
Throughout the academy, students worked to develop the accountability and discipline needed to successfully navigate college. As participants established academic routines, organizers saw students become more consistent in following those routines and increasingly accountable when challenges arose.
Students also participated in workshops led by representatives from departments across GSC. The sessions introduced students to campus resources, academic programs and potential career pathways while helping them understand how to use those resources throughout their college experience.
A visit to the Georgia State Capitol provided another memorable learning experience. Students spent the day in Atlanta exploring Georgia’s history and government, including visits to the Senate and House chambers.
“We equipped students with the resources and knowledge to succeed as full-time college students,” said Alex White, GSC’s Title III project assistant. “It was equally rewarding to see the friendships they formed and to provide a space where those lasting connections could begin.”
By giving participants an opportunity to experience college coursework, establish academic habits and become familiar with campus resources before beginning a full-time semester, SLDA supports GSC’s goals of strengthening student success, retention and graduation.
For Smith, the academy’s impact also extends to the ways students may contribute to the Gordon State community throughout their college experience.
“Working with this group of students has been reinvigorating for me,” Smith said. “The students teach us as much as we teach and impart wisdom upon them, and I am optimistic about the program’s future impact on the institution.”
Following the growth of the academy’s second cohort, program leaders hope to continue expanding SLDA by increasing student enrollment and strengthening the support needed to sustain the program as it grows.