The Georgia Education Mentorship (GEM) Program is pairing students from Georgia College & State University with top executives at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce to gain insight into “the real world” of a successful business leader.

“GCSU is incredibly fortunate to have such a partnership with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce,” said John Bowen, coordinator of the leadership programs in the Office of Academic Engagement. “The GEM Program provides unique opportunities for our students to learn first hand about leadership and success in the professional world from the very executives who are movers and shakers around the state.”

Students are paired for a semester-long mentorship with leading executive mentors who will allow them to shadow and attend meetings and exclusive events. Students also participate in opening and closing receptions, along with monthly leadership luncheons. Mentors teach students business skills such as time management, ethics, respect and teamwork.

Recently, Neil Shorthouse, president of Communities and Schools of Georgia, invited the GEM mentors and students to the Georgia Education Ball held at the World Congress Center.

“There is hardly anything of greater value than an investment in a young person’s future,” said Shorthouse. “The Georgia Education Ball has been the highlight for me so far,” said GCSU junior participant, Randi Noble. “It was a night of dressing up, good food, and great friends.”

Several students have also met presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush with their mentors and a number have visited the state Capitol. This fall semester, psychology major Michelle Wiltshire was able to meet Carter with her mentor Alex Gregory, president and CEO of YKK. She describes Carter as “strong yet a gentle guy.”

“Everyone turned their attention to President Carter once he entered the room, and although he was all smiles and greeted everyone individually, everyone knew that they needed to wrap up their breakfast because when President Carter says, ‘Let’s begin,’ he means it,” said Wiltshire. “I had goosebumps almost the entire meeting.”

Students rave about their mentors, incredible opportunities, how the program has helped them mature and given them a deeper look into the life of a successful business leader, as well as how fortunate they have been to participate in such a unique experience.

“I learned that I have a whole new level of self-confidence that was buried deep inside of me,” said Stacey Team, a GCSU participant. “If I can go into a setting as intimidating as AGL Resources, Atlanta Gas Lighting, and be able to speak and banter back and forth with top executives and trust myself enough to enjoy the experience, than I can do anything.”

Funded by the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, the GEM program is celebrating its 12th semester of success. Approximately 220 GCSU students have participated with more than 50 state executive mentors in business, law, education, healthcare and industry.

These leaders include the president and CEO of Linger Longer Communities, the executive vice president of Operations for the Arthur M. Blank Group, the CEO of Georgia Power and the CEO of YKK Corporation of America, just to name a few.

“It is a gem for this school; it is precious and very unique and something to cherish and make sure that we are able to offer for years to come,” said John Bowen. “Students speak about their experiences with such enjoyment and enthusiasm that I almost feel as if I was right there with them.”