Speaker:  Johnelle Simpson

Johnelle Simpson serves as the Great Promise Partnership and Work-Based Learning Coordinator for the Clarke County School District.  Simpson is a graduate of the University of Georgia and holds bachelor degrees in both Political Science and Risk Management and Insurance as well as a certificate in Workforce Diversity.  

Through the Clarke County School District’s Work-Based Learning and Great Promise Partnership Program students are able to use academic and workplace learning to aide in their transition to the workforce or postsecondary education.  The Clarke County Great Promise Partnership program currently has about 50 students enrolled (one of the largest in the state).  Simpson’s goal is to have nearly 200 students participating in some form of work-based learning.  He works diligently to find new opportunities for students to maximize their high school career.  He believes we can show high school students their role in society and their place in Georgia’s economy through experiential learning opportunities.

Simpson is actively involved in the Athens-Clarke County community and the state of Georgia where he volunteers with several youth and leadership development organizations.  His volunteering capacity has included serving as a speaker, workshop presenter, and a member of corporate and foundation boards. Locally, Simpson chairs the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee.  

Topic:  Great Promise Partnership

Great Promise Partnership (GPP) provides exceptional tools to give students opportunities.  GPP has two modules—12 for Life™ Workplace and GPP Work Prep.  GPP’s 12 for Life™ allows students 16 and over to attend school part of the day and work part of the day.  These job sites provide mentoring, on-the-job training, and life and career skills.  GPP Work Prep engages high school students with regularly scheduled life skills training sessions, leadership development, college and career planning, and face-time with business and community leaders at a local school site.  With a well-established program in the Clarke County School District and partners such as Caterpillar, Carrier, Power Partners, Eaton, and many more, Great Promise can continue to provide necessary skills and training sessions for students.