Gates County Community Partnership Funds College Tours for GCHS Students
Gates County Community Partnership (GCCP) recently donated $2,000 to Gates County High School to fund college tours for the junior and senior classes. This gift is part of a larger effort by the organization to expose all local students to the value of a college education.
"This donation supports Gates County High School and their efforts to broaden the horizons of our students. We want them all to 'Soar to New Heights' in life," stated Brian Rountree, Vice President of Gates County Community Partnership. "We know that everyone will not go to college, but we want to ensure that all of our students understand the importance of a college education and that it is achievable and affordable. Now, this is even more the case with the North Carolina Promise Tuition Plan." 
The Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities recognizes that we often emphasize the benefits of a college degree to graduates themselves. The benefits to society are just as significant. Through volunteer work, leadership, and philanthropic contributions, university graduates improve the civic and economic life of their communities.
"We want all of our students to be confident and understand that a postsecondary education is generally now a requirement for a place in the middle class of America," emphasized Sherley Jones, Jr., Director, Gates County Community Partnership. "We also expect them to achieve at the highest level so they can offer their best to others, thus initiating an endless cycle of service and uplift."
In 2020, Gates County Community Partnership assisted Gates County Schools with their successful grant application for GEAR UP NC. This national program is a college access initiative that directly engages students in partner schools with academic readiness and college admission support. GEAR UP NC funds college tours. Gates County Community Partnership’s donation expands access.
“We are again thankful that Gates County Schools allows us to participate in programming that supports the edification of our youth,” said Sandra Jordan Branch, Director, Gates County Community Partnership. “Thank you, Gates County, for your continued support. Without you, none of this is possible.”
Gates County Community Partnership is a 501(c)3 public charity whose mission is to inspire and increase community engagement by the citizens of Gates County for the educational and social development of its youth.
Jordan Joins Gates County Community Partnership
Chante Lassiter Jordan, of Gates, North Carolina, recently joined Gates County Community Partnership (GCCP). Chante is a native of Gates County.
"I have been watching Ms. Jordan for years. She amazes me," stated Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., President of Gates County Community Partnership. “Chante gets it! She understands the purpose. She lives to serve.”
Chante Jordan is an accomplished administrator with over 18 years of experience in public school education. She currently acts as Human Resources Director and Exceptional Children's Program Director for Gates County Schools. Ms. Jordan has a Bachelor of Science (Special Education), Master of Special Education, Master of School Administration, and an EdS degree (Educational Administration and Supervision), all from East Carolina University. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the school.
Chante gains inspiration from Michelle Obama's quote, "Success is not about how much money you make, but about the difference you make in people's lives."
The mission of Gates County Community Partnership is to inspire and increase community engagement by the citizens of Gates County for the educational and social development of its youth.
"Opening GATES" Touches Students from Gates County and Beyond
During the week of July 11th, Gates County Community Partnership (GCCP) presented their college readiness initiative, "Opening GATES," to high school students of Gates County Schools and neighboring school districts. This year was the first of what plans to be an annual offering to the region.
"The program this year was special; more than we imagined it would be. Just to witness the personal growth of our students during the camp was uplifting," stated Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., President of Gates County Community Partnership. "We would like to thank the students for the experience! We are grateful that they allowed us to work and are looking forward to their college careers!"
The goal of "Opening GATES" is to increase the number of students from northeastern North Carolina who obtain a four-year college degree. The camp was fully funded by Gates County Community Partnership through a grant from the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation's "Ribbon of Hope" program.
"One of our tenets is to do what we can to offer no cost programming to our community. This is important for inclusiveness and equitable access," emphasized Brian Rountree, Vice President of Gates County Community Partnership. "As of now, we have not charged for any youth enrichment opportunities that we have delivered to Gates County. Thank you to our donors for making this possible."
"Opening GATES" provided participants a one-week summer enrichment program that combined an overnight college tour of UNC-Chapel Hill and North Carolina Central University, ACT Preparatory training, and youth development activities.
The trip to UNC-Chapel Hill started at the basketball museum; then there was a campus tour and lunch in Lenoir Dining Hall. Afterwards, the group visited Franklin Street and Morehead Planetarium and Science Center where they viewed "Solar System Odyssey" in the planetarium. Mr. Chris Harried, of UNC Chapel Hill, provided the capstone with an interactive conversation.
On the following day, campers toured North Carolina Central University. They started at the BRITE (Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology) Building with Dr. Gordon Ibeanu, Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Next, they visited the J.E. Shepherd Research Library, where Danielle Colbert-Lewis, Head of Research and Instructional Services, and her staff guided them through the facility. Campers then went to the Mary Townes Science Building to meet Kossi Agbeve, Research Scientist in Mathematics and Physics and Dr. Alade Tokuta, Professor of Mathematics and Physics, for the DREAM STEM RDI Student Panel. They ended the day with lunch in Pearson Hall and an official college tour led by a student at the university. A highlight was visiting McDougald-McLendon Arena for a courtside view of men's basketball practice.
Days 3 - 5 of "Opening GATES" took place at Central Middle School in Gatesville, NC. The morning sessions were reserved for ACT tutoring by APlus Test Prep out of Durham, NC. "Their wide range of professional tutoring services and exam prep programs assist high school students, undergraduate students, prospective teachers, and parents alike. They are the best of the best in helping clients succeed in their particular area."
Afternoon sessions were all about youth development! Topics of note were financial literacy, college life, following your passion, perseverance, and being intentional about broadening horizons, gaining knowledge, and developing intelligence. Dr. Crystal Harden of UNC-Chapel Hill, Ms. Jordan Mitchell of Harvard University, and General Richard Harrison of the United States Army were the keynote presenters.
"Live your life with Pride, Hustle, and Desire (PHD). Take Pride in everything you do, Hustle to achieve your life goals, and maintain a strong Desire to be the very best person you can be," stated General Richard Harrison of the United States Army to those in attendance.
Day 6 was ACT testing at Bertie High School in Windsor, NC. It was time to perform for the students. They beamed with confidence and did not disappoint!
“Gates County Community Partnership truly lives up to its name by providing quality, innovative programs for the students of Gates County Schools. "Opening GATES" is an investment in the students and their future goals and aspirations,” stated Dr. Barry Williams, Superintendent of Gates County Schools.
In 2020, Gates County Schools was awarded the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) state grant. GEAR UP is a national college access initiative that directly engages students in partner schools with academic readiness and college admission support over the course of their middle school and high school careers. The program has proven to significantly increase the number of students in disadvantaged communities who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.
"Receiving the GEAR UP grant was big for Gates County Schools. We have already seen its impact," stated Sandra Jordan Branch, Director of Gates County Community Partnership. "Opening GATES was conceived to act as a supplement to this grant program and we are committed to its success."
"Gates County Community Partnership would like to thank Tempting Treats & Gifts for providing breakfast and lunch to our campers throughout the week. The food was excellent," said Sherley Jones, Director of Gates County Community Partnership. "And thank you UNC-Chapel Hill / Morehead Planetarium and Science Center for your continued unwavering support. You are the reason this is all possible in our community."
Gates County Community Partnership is eagerly anticipating "Opening GATES 2023." Their goal next year is to serve 40 local students with this free summer enrichment experience.
The mission of Gates County Community Partnership (www.gatescountycp.org) is to inspire and increase community engagement by the citizens of Gates County for the educational and social development of its youth.
Gates County High School Students Chosen for Salk Institute Summer Science Program
“Every cure has a starting point. Dare to make dreams into reality.” - Salk
Gates County High School students Kaylin Wilson and Derek Eason were recently selected to participate in the “Salk Introduction to Research Science” program this summer. They are two of only three students from North Carolina chosen for this extraordinary month-long enrichment opportunity.
“We would like to thank the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and the Salk Institute of Biological Studies for supporting the students of Gates County Schools,” stated Brian Rountree, Director of Gates County Community Partnership. “This is an incredible program that will nourish the minds of our scholars and maybe lead them towards careers in medicine! Education is the antidote for disease.”
The Salk Introduction to Research Science Program is a STEM educational experience geared towards providing students a first look at science outside of a traditional classroom setting through hands-on and virtual experiences. Salk Education Outreach has translated the time-tested curriculum to a hybrid modality in order to expand its reach to high-potential students outside of San Diego County, California.
Program elements include scientific inquiry and communication skills, interactions with diverse mentor scientists, as well as hands-on and virtual lab simulations. The program will use Salk Education Outreach expertise in science communication to equip students with necessary skill sets that will make them better qualified candidates for future STEM internship opportunities. The overall goal of the program is to enable and encourage students that may have limited opportunities in science with the opportunity to explore their interests and prepare for future STEM internships.
“The Burroughs Wellcome Fund breathes its mission to improve human health through education and we are grateful for the opportunity they presented at Salk,” emphasized Dr. Crystal Harden, Director of Program and Inclusion Initiatives at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. “Kailyn and Derek will excel and forge a path for other county students to follow.”
Gates County Community Partnership Director Appointed to Morehead Planetarium and Science Center's Advisory Board
Gates County Community Partnership board member Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr. was recently named to the Advisory Board for the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The mission of Morehead is to serve North Carolina and beyond by bringing together the unique resources of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to engage the public for an improved public understanding of science, technology, and health.
As a member of the board, Mr. Saunders will play a pivotal role in advancing Morehead’s mission to serve North Carolina by bringing together the unique resources of UNC to engage the public for improved understanding of science, technology, and health.
“I am honored to be on the advisory board of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. My goal is to add a perspective that will advance the mission of the organization,” stated Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr. “Morehead does a phenomenal job providing outreach opportunities to Gates County and the rest of the state. Their work changes lives!”
Benjamin is a graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and the University of Detroit Mercy. He is currently employed by the United States Government in Washington, DC.
Saunders Science Scholars Visit UNC-Chapel Hill
On a weekend in early April, some incredibly special guests made it to UNC-Chapel Hill – the middle school cohort of Gates County’s own Saunders Science Scholars!
“We were so excited to welcome everyone to Chapel Hill to show them around our campus, especially since they have been so welcoming to us in Gates County. From a planetarium show and science demo to a visit to the UNC Basketball Museum and attending the Carolina Spring Football game, everyone had a chance to experience a day in the life of a Tar Heel,” stated Dr. Crystal Harden, Director of Program and Inclusion Initiatives at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center.
“We had to get our 8th graders and their family members to UNC before the school year ended and Morehead Planetarium and Science Center made it happen,” exclaimed Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., President of Gates County Community Partnership and Member of Morehead’s Advisory Board. “It was important to expose this cohort to the university experience, as our 9th graders are going on a week-long tour of North Carolina colleges this summer.”
The Saunders Science Scholars program was born out of a vision to help increase science confidence and interest in STEM. Each cohort includes a student along with a loved one from their household, led by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center educators, in monthly lessons, field trips, and more.
For the last two years, this cohort has explored STEM lessons, topics, and careers with Morehead educators in Gates County. A goal of the program is to offer unique educational experiences to encourage local youth towards a post-secondary journey that includes obtaining a four-year bachelor’s degree. The weekend tour was just one of many opportunities that will inspire confidence and broaden horizons.
"Being a Saunders Science Scholar is great and amazing because the experiences that I have had since earning a spot have been fun, educational, diverse, and helpful. It has taught me about companionship and helped create a family. I can't wait for the next four years,” stated 8th grade participant, London Barber.
The Saunders Science Scholars program was made possible by a gift from Morehead Advisory Board member, Stephen Butts, and his wife Addie Butts. It was named in honor of Benjamin C. Saunders, Sr., who was an esteemed educator with Gates County Schools for 40 years. In 2021, he posthumously received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society Award. The honor was granted by Governor Roy Cooper in acknowledgement of Saunders’ contributions to the state and his community through exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.
Gates County Students Receive $30,000 in Scholarships for Summer Accelerator Program
For the second summer, all student participants in the Saunders Science Scholars Program who applied will get full scholarships, valued at $30,000, to the Summer Accelerator program at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM). Camps will be located on the Morganton and Durham campuses of NCSSM, depending on the concentration chosen by the student. They all will provide “unique, high-level academic experiences.”
“We currently have 17 students taking advantage of this tremendous opportunity, with a few more on waitlists for their desired course of interest. Hopefully, this experience encourages some of our scholars to attend the School of Science and Math for their final two years of high school,” said Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., President of Gates County Community Partnership and Member of Morehead’s Advisory Board. “Special thanks to Morehead Planetarium and Science Center for continuing to provide opportunities to the students of Gates County Schools and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics for being an amazing supporter of Gates County!”
Rising 9th grade Saunders Science Scholars will participate in a one-week residential program. Rising 10th grade scholars will participate in a three-week hybrid program with virtual and residential components. There are many disciplines to choose, ranging from “Storytelling and Persuading Using Data” and “Math to the Rescue: Solving Big Problems with New Math” to “Data for Building Blockchains: Intro to DeFi” and “Explorations in Genetics.”
“The confidence that London will build due to the exposure to the NCSSM Summer Accelerator program is immeasurable because it opens her mind to limitless opportunities beyond Gates County. With me and her father's assistance, as well as her Saunders Science Scholars family, London will continue to develop STEM knowledge, communication skills, and self-awareness,” stated Cindy Barber, Saunders Science Scholars parent and educator at Gates County High School.
Gates County students currently scheduled to participate in the 2022 Summer Accelerator Program are Ayden “AJ” Wright, Ace Austin, Bella Bartoli, Benjamin Ross, Hunter Ambrose, Jamell Reid, Logan Kronbauer, London Barber, Ni’Jahe Saunders, Noah Wilkins, Shay Stallings, Timberlyn Chappell, Shalamar Boyce, Zamaria Kinsley, Jayla Porter, Ky’Asia Bunch, and Justin Powell.
The mission of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics is to educate and nurture academically talented students to become state, national, and global leaders, increase access to high quality public education in North Carolina, and cultivate engaged citizens who will work for the betterment of the world, through challenging programs, with an emphasis on STEM, driven by the pursuit of excellence and innovation.
“The Model” - Community Collaborative Presents at Carolina Engagement Week
On March 23, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center's Director of Program and Inclusion Initiatives, Dr. Crystal Harden, led the discussion "From Gates to Greats: Rural Science Education Engagement with the Saunders Science Scholars Program." Dr. Harden was joined by Dr. Barry Williams, Superintendent of Gates County Schools and Mr. Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., President of Gates County Community Partnership. The presentation examined the Saunders Science Scholars program and the collaborative effort that makes the program successful.
The Saunders Science Scholars is a science enrichment initiative that provides resources and events that encourage the exploration of STEM to the community of Gates County Schools. The model used by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center in Gates County is defined as “a passionate entity (e.g., Morehead) with knowledge, infrastructure, and financial resources immerses itself into a community and develops trusting relationships with its government, schools, and citizens. The entity then spearheads collaboration for its betterment.”
“The establishment of community partnerships comes from an innovator's mindset to find ways to give students all the wonderful things they desire as they grow and learn in the public-school setting,” stated Dr. Barry Williams. “The purpose of education is to develop learners and leaders who improve today and tomorrow for all. To develop our students, we must be forward-thinking and utilize all resources to empower them and inspire innovation.”
The alliance provides a clear positive community impact. There is a better understanding of science for students and parents, more family bonding, enhanced social interactions, improved access to resources, and heightened community engagement.
“We are in full support of initiatives that improve Gates County,” said Sherley Jones, Jr., Director of Gates County Community Partnership. “Morehead has facilitated miracles in our community. We appreciate their passion, as it is contagious!”
“The model created in Gates County is one that Morehead looks forward to expanding into other surrounding counties. The benefits of the model to the school community and larger community are significant and invaluable,” stated Dr. Crystal Harden.
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s programming galvanizes populations and produces positive outcomes. Inequities are addressed and schools are strengthened. A verified blueprint for expansion and replication now exists. Those involved in the presentation hope that others use “the model” to enrich those in rural locations throughout the country.
Gates County Community Partnership Director Wins Primary for County Commissioner, Running Unopposed in General Election
Gates County Community Partnership (GCCP) would like to recognize Brian Keith Rountree, GCCP Board Member and Vice President, on his election victory to serve on the Gates County Board of Commissioners.
Mr. Rountree has been part of Gates County Community Partnership since its inception. He has served Gates County as a spirited volunteer for years, often behind the scenes. His wisdom, temperance, preparedness, and ability to empathize allow him to effectively lead.
Brian is a man of integrity who fights courageously for the betterment of those he serves. The elected office of county commissioner is a natural progression that will broaden his impact.
DISCLAIMER: As an organization that serves all of Gates County, Gates County Community Partnership does not involve itself in partisan politics, even when one of their own is in the process. Since the subject of this article is running unopposed in November's general election, they deem this article as appropriate.
Congratulations, Brian!