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Local Voices

The Gifted Foundation Hosts Second Think Tank With Atlanta Business Leaders

On Thursday, September 12, the Gifted Education Foundation hosted its second “Think Tank” Luncheon at Seasons 52 in Buckhead Atlanta. This high-power brainstorming session brought together 27 leaders in education and business to weigh in on how Gifted can more strategically invest in the futures of low-income students.

The Gifted Foundation holds its Think Tank luncheons regularly throughout the year to seek the advice and support of accomplished professionals in the education and business fields. The purpose of the event series is to meet, share ideas, and determine ways to partner together in helping young students thrive.

The first Think Tank was held in April where leaders offered their opinions on the barriers that prevent low-income students from achieving success in college and beyond. At this month’s event, the participants, all attending the Think Tank for the first time, discussed how Gifted can refine its mission to reach more students.

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“It was a powerful experience to have some of the most thought-provoking leaders in the country present with us to support in refining our business model for Gifted. The innovation, ideas and resolutions to some of our greatest challenges were remarkable, and I truly look forward to the opportunity to engage this group again in the very near future,” says Gifted Founder Anthony Flynn.

Gifted staff posed specific questions to participants about how they think the organization can impact more lives with its college readiness programs, whether expanding geographically or partnering with a greater number of local organizations.

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“We cannot do this by ourselves. The Think Tank helps us to talk about what we’re doing and connect with those who can help us,” says Gifted Director of Operations Joyce Whitted.

One way that Gifted looks for Think Tank events to help is by opening the door for more partnerships with colleges and corporations on behalf of the students it serves. “It’s all about collective impact,” says Whitted.

Following this latest Think Tank, Gifted staff will review the ideas and feedback they received and determine the most effective action steps to take. The next Think Tank will be held in February 2014.

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