Summer Leadership Development Academy

 Get a Head Start on College Success!

The Gordon State College Summer Leadership Development Academy (GSC-SLDA) is a four-week summer bridge program designed for first-time, full-time college students ready to jump-start their journey toward success. The 2027 GSC- SLDA is scheduled for June 21 - July 23, 2027!

As part of GSC's Title III Grant, students in the GSC-LDA will:

✅ Earn college credit before the Fall semester
✅ Build academic confidence and leadership skills
✅ Form lasting connections and friendships
✅ Participate in an enrichment trip and end-of-program celebration 

Program Overview

The GSC-SLDA combines academic learning, leadership development, and college readiness workshops to help students transition smoothly into college life.

Throughout the program, students will:

• Complete three approved college courses on Gordon State College's main campus in Barnesville, Georgia (GSCT 1000, MATH 1001, and ENGL 1101)

• Participate in leadership development activities, and interactive workshops led by GSC faculty, staff, and student mentors to prepare them for full time enrollment in Fall 2027

• Enjoy hands-on learning experiences and campus life activities

Program Objectives

The GSC - SLDA aims to:

1. Provide early access to college-level coursework

2. Strengthen academic skills and self-confidence

3. Build community and a sense of belonging

4. Equip students with the tools and resources for long-term success

Program Highlights

All Tuition, Room & Board Covered!

Tuition and fees for designated bridge courses as well as SLDA meal plans and housing are included at no cost for all Gordon State College 2027 Leadership Development Academy students! To reiterate, This offer is only for students that are accepted to the 2027 Summer Leadership Academy for the duration of 2027 Summer term (June 21 - July 23, 2027).

Here’s what makes the 2027 Gordon State College Leadership Development Academy experience exceptional:

• Cohort Model: Summer Leadership Development Academy participants attend classes and SLDA activities together, building lasting friendships and support. 

• Accelerated College Courses:

  • GSCT 1000 – Gordon State College Critical Thinking (2 credit hours)

  • ENGL 1101 –  English Composition I (3 credit hours)

  • MATH 1001 - Quantitative Skills and Reasoning 

• Leadership & Success Workshops: Learn directly from GSC faculty, staff, current GSC students and peer mentors about how to be successful.

• Enrichment Trip:  Explore leadership in  the real world with SLDA cohort members.

• Celebration Event: Be recognized by peers, faculty and the GSC Community  at the official Gordon State College Leadership Development Academy Completion Ceremony.

Student Expectations

Students that are accepted to be a part of the 2027 Summer Leadership Academy are expected to:

• Attend and participate in all GSC courses, workshops, study sessions, and enrichment activities. Activities in SLDA are mandatory and failure to participate can result in the student incurring additional expenses for the program. If a student is found to miss a significant portion of SLDA programming, they could be dismissed from the program. 

• Uphold the GSC Student Code of Conduct throughout the program and even in their personal free time. Accepted SLDA students are expected to model the core tenets of the STAG statement. These tenets are: excellence, respect, responsibility, leadership, and scholarship.  The during GSC SLDA programming and even in their own personal free time. Students that are found in violation of behavioral expectations could face fines or dismissal from the program. 

• Register and remain a full-time  college student at Gordon State College for the duration of their first-year after the conclusion of the program. 

💬 Pro Tip: Showing up, staying engaged, and supporting your peers are key to getting the most out of your Summer Leadership Development Academy experience!

Eligibility Requirements

Participation in the 2027 Gordon State College Leadership Development Academy depends on continuation of Title III funding as well as space availability.

To be eligible to participate, students must:

• Fill out a 2027 Summer Gordon State College Admissions Application 
• Fill out a separate 2027 GSC Summer Leadership Development Academy Application (provided on this page)
• Fill out their  2027 - 2028 FAFSA for Fall 2027 ( Approved GSC courses will be covered by grant funds in the 2027 SLDA)

• Be enrolled as a full-time student  for Fall 2027 and remain in good academic standing.

• Attend A New Student Orientation before the 2027 GSC Leadership Academy begins on June 21, 2027.

Preferred Candidates:

• First-time, full-time college students who have completed high school (or equivalent) before the start of the program.

Why Choose the Gordon State College Leadership Development Academy?

Your college journey starts here—with confidence, connection, and community.

• Focused on first-time, full-time student success

• Completely grant-funded tuition and fees, housing and meals

• Earn college credit before your first semester

• Hands-on workshops with GSC faculty and staff

• Enrichment Trip to view leadership in action

• Celebration and recognition across the GSC community

📅 Important Dates

* These dates are aligned with the current  Academic Calendar for the 2027 Summer Term. Dates are subject to change. 

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📞 Contact Us

Have questions or want to learn more about the 2027 GSC Leadership Development Academy?
We would love to connect with you! Please contact williams@gordonstate.edu with any questions!

Apply Here!