About Us
Graduation Generation knows the exponential power of access to education for our young community members. For some, it’s an uphill climb. We engage students more fully, involve families more regularly, and empower teachers more effectively so kids have every opportunity. We mobilize the students, faculty and staff, of Emory University to collaborate with K-12 schools and community organizations to provide and support effective programs and services with schools in the metro Atlanta area seeking to prepare students to graduate to the next level and be both career and life ready.
Volunteering with K-12 students has been one of the greatest highlights of my time at Emory, especially as it relates to the growth I've experienced in my capacity to lead. Through the CCE office, I've had the opportunity to volunteer with Graduation Generation. This experience has taught me the importance of building community and pouring your talents into communities that have had an impact on my life.
History
Emory University's Graduation Generation (GradGen) initiative was founded in 2010 during the Great Recession as an effort to invest in improving schools in local neighborhoods. Rick Reider, a philanthropist, businessman, Emory alumnus/trustee, Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc., and member of the Communities in Schools National Leadership Council, played a pivotal role in the initiative's development. His generous donation of $1 million helped jumpstart GradGen, establishing strong partnerships and guiding the program's strategic direction.
Throughout the 2010s, GradGen expanded its reach, incorporating evidence-based practices and formalizing its programs. Emory students served as mentors and tutors, offering summer programs, workshops, and college readiness activities. By the mid-2010s, GradGen had become a recognized initiative in Atlanta, improving academic performance and graduation rates among participating students.
GradGen has a history of meeting the community during its hardest times. In recent years, it has adapted to new challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, by embracing digital tools and virtual formats to ensure continuous support for students.
The initiative continues to evolve, focusing on strengthening partnerships, expanding programs, and leveraging research to enhance its impact. GradGen remains a vital part of Emory University's commitment to social responsibility and educational equity, inspiring students to engage with their community and fostering a culture of service and leadership.
The GradGen M.V.P.
To mobilize the students, faculty, and staff of Emory University to provide and support effective programs and services with K-12 schools and community organizations seeking to collaborate and prepare students to graduate to the next level of being both career and life ready.
To educate and empower all members of the GradGen community to recognize their value and potential to make a profound and positive impact in their school, community, and world.
To foster a community of support by empowering members of the Emory community, K-12 communities, and community organizations so that students remain in school, graduate, and achieve in life.
Impact
Graduation Generation (GradGen) at Emory University has significantly impacted the metro Atlanta community by enhancing educational outcomes for K-12 students. Since its inception, GradGen has provided vital mentorship, academic support, and enrichment programs that have led to improved academic performance and increased graduation rates among participating students.
Programs
GradGen empowers Emory students through hands-on leadership opportunities, professional development, and meaningful engagement with K-12 students in metro Atlanta. By participating in GradGen, Emory students gain valuable skills in mentorship, project management, and community engagement, enhancing their academic and professional trajectories. Moreover, GradGen fosters a strong sense of community and belonging among Emory students, as they work together towards a common goal of educational equity and support for underserved populations. This initiative not only provides immediate benefits to the K-12 students served but also cultivates a generation of Emory graduates who are deeply committed to civic responsibility and social impact. By integrating service with student life, GradGen enriches the university experience, preparing students to be proactive, empathetic leaders in their future careers and communities.
Interns
The interns and instructional leads of Graduation Generation are crucial to the program's success, embodying the university's values of leadership, service, and academic excellence. These dedicated students balance their academic responsibilities with a commitment to community engagement, gaining hands-on experience in program coordination, volunteer management, and educational outreach. Through comprehensive training and real-world application, they develop transferable skills in mentorship, project management, and educational program development. By collaborating with community partners and educators, they create tailored educational experiences for K-12 students, enhancing both the students' learning and their own professional growth. Emory's investment in these student leaders not only supports their personal and professional development but also reinforces the university's mission to foster civic responsibility and social impact.
How To Get Involved with Graduation Generation
With different projects happening every week around Atlanta, there are many ways to get involved.
All of them require different commitments from volunteers. Most of our undergraduate students have elected to continue as interns for several semesters or more, as they find working with GradGen so rewarding. See what the next steps to get involved with GradGen below!
Emory Volunteer
- Reach out to us (see contact information at the bottom of this page) to see which program you’re right for.
- See what works in your schedule.
- Sign up and get any training you need to start.
Emory Partner
- Refine your proposal for an affiliate program. What students/schools do you hope to work with? What subjects or curricula will you teach, and how will your efforts fit in to existing programming at schools around the Atlanta area?
- Gauge student interest in volunteering for your program, and forge connections. Do you have a K-12 school placement lined up? Are there enough student volunteers to run your program, or do you need help recruiting additional volunteers?
- Contact our leadership (see the bottom of this page) to identify an optimal collaboration.
K-12 Partner
- Review the resources on this website to understand the Graduation Generation partnerships model and identify potential areas of interest for your school. The Impact and Programs blocks on this page are great places to start!
- Contact our leadership (see the bottom of this page) to identify an optimal collaboration. We are always open to supporting K-12 schools through new offerings as our capacity allows!
Gallery
Some of GradGen's favorite memories!
Leaders and Staff
James Roland
Sr. Director, Civic and Community Engagement
Christy Bradley
Director, Atlanta Urban Debate League & K-12 Engagement
Vacant Position
Senior Program Coordinator, K-12 Outreach and Support Graduation Generation