OUR HISTORY
Opened in 1997, as the Gordon and Museum of Aviation 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. Gordon GYSTC is located in Barnesville, Georgia on the campus of Gordon State College. Among the many educational programs they offer elementary and middle school teachers and students, some favorites include the STARLAB Planetarium Water Quality and Conservation, Study of electricity using PowerTown, and Family Science Nights.. The Center provides a variety of professional development programs and STEM kits for K-8 teachers and students
OUR COORDINATOR
Valarie Ages is the regional coordinator for the Gordon Center located in Barnesville, Georgia on the Gordon State College campus. She supports member and non-member school systems with their science and math needs as well as providing STEM programs for students in K-8th grades. She holds a B.S. and M.S. in middle grades education from Fort Valley State University, with concentrations in science, Language Arts, and Social Studies; an Ed.S in elementary education from Troy State University, and Ed.D in educational leadership from Walden University. Ages is also a retired educator and a military vet. During her 30+ years of service, she has served in many areas, been teacher of the year and earned an endorsement in Gifted Education. Ages enjoys riding her Harley Davidson motorcycle, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Gordon GYSTC is to promote, interest, rigor, and enthusiasm in science and technology instruction. Hence, the primary purpose of the Gordon GYSTC is to provide quality professional learning opportunities in the sciences and technologies for all teachers within the 12 membership school systems. In addition, the Gordon GYSTC also offers a range of other programs such as Family Science Nights, STEM equipment lending, student programs, and professional learning sessions.