OUR HISTORY
Opened in 1997, the Chattahoochee-Flint Georgia Youth Science & Technology Center is a Regional Center for GYSTC, Inc. which is a private, not-for-profit educational organization designed to increase interest in and enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for serious study, particularly among elementary and middle school teachers, students, and parents in typically underserved areas in the state. Chattahoochee-Flint GYSTC at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, GA. Among the many educational programs, they offer elementary and middle school teachers and students, some favorites include environmental science, chemistry, laws of motion, Family Science Nights, and Family Math Nights. The Center provides a variety of professional development programs and STEM kits for K-8 teachers and students. The Georgia Youth Science and Technology Centers, Inc. provides quality programs for teachers of STEM subjects that improve the teaching and learning process at the kindergarten through eighth grade levels. We present programs that change students’ perceptions and inspire an appreciation for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects.
GYSTC focuses on four main goals aimed at enhancing teaching and learning in the STEM disciplines:
- Promoting interest and enthusiasm for STEM subjects;
- Encouraging students to enter STEM fields;
- Improving the teaching-learning process by enhancing teaching methods and content knowledge;
- and Providing more and better-qualified employees for our state’s industries.
OUR COORDINATOR
Emily Strickland is the coordinator of the Chattahoochee-Flint Georgia Youth Science & Technology Center located at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Georgia. She supports member school systems with their science and math needs and provides STEM programs for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education with concentrations in Science and Social Studies from Georgia Southwestern State University and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Columbus State University.
Since beginning her career in 2011, Emily has served as both a classroom teacher and STEM leader. She earned her Gifted endorsement, completed the STEM Teacher Academy provided by GYSTC, and has been recognized for her excellence in teaching and leadership. She was named Teacher of the Year at Sumter County Intermediate School, is a Georgia DOE Science Ambassador, and received the GYSTC STEM Scholar Award in 2019. In her role, she develops and delivers programs such as Science on the Farm, STEM Days/Nights, In-Class Field Trips, and professional learning workshops, reaching thousands of students and educators across Sumter, Clay, Crisp, Quitman, and Dooly counties each year.
Emily is passionate about providing students with hands-on, inquiry-based STEM learning opportunities that connect to agriculture, engineering, and real-world problem solving. She enjoys reading, cheering on her daughter in dance and cheerleading, and spending time with her family.
OUR MISSION
The Georgia Youth Science and Technology Centers, Inc. provides quality programs for teachers of STEM subjects that improve the teaching and learning process at the kindergarten through eighth grade levels.
OUR BOARD
Directors:
- Chair: Dr. Brandon Williams, Crisp County Schools
- Vice Chair: Mrs. Heather Yeiser, Southland Academy
- Treasurer: Mr. Brett Morgan, 3B Cattle Co
- Secretary: Mr. John Hamilton, Clay County Schools
- Dr. Rachel Abbot, GSW
- Mr. Bob Burns, Industry Visuals
- Dr. Rose Campbell, Fullington Academy
- Mr. Jon-Erik Jones, Quitman County Schools
- Mr. Caleb Mims, International Paper
- Mrs. LaShaunda Thomas, Sumter County Schools
- Ms. Danielle Wells, Harris Equipment
Ex-Officio:
- Sen. Freddie Powell Sims, State Senator
- Rep. Gerald Greene, State Representative
- Rep. Mike Cheokas, State Representative
- Mrs. Amanda Buice, State GYSTC Office