The headquarters for Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS), the largest and most diverse school system in the state, is less than half a mile away from Georgia Campus – Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (GA-PCOM).  The relationship between the two organizations continues to grow.

This year, GA-PCOM was the presenting sponsor for the Gwinnett Regional Science, Engineering + Innovation Fair in which elementary, middle and high school students showcased their research projects. More than 641 projects which had won first place at the local school level were on display. These projects, representing the creativity and innovation of more than 819 students, were judged by Georgia professionals and scientists, including GA-PCOM faculty and students, who assessed them on scientific quality, accuracy, creativity and experimental design.

Faculty members representing Osteopathic Medicine and Physician Assistant Studies were featured speakers during breakout sessions for high school and middle school students. At the Career Expo, faculty and staff members from the School of Pharmacy demonstrated pharmacy techniques, while another faculty member judged the Innovation Fair. With the theme, “Ask Why,” it was definitely a day to celebrate science in Gwinnett County.

At Central Gwinnett High School in Lawrenceville, Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences students provided mentorship, engaging health curriculum and exposure to health careers to high school students through a nationwide outreach program known as the Health Career Academy. According to students Hannah Shin (DO ’19) and Yasmeen Shariff (DO ’19) who coordinated the program, “We are especially proud of our fellow students. They have not only shown immense dedication to our mission of giving back to the community and continuing the cycle of education, but also surprised us with their individual strengths and amazing ability to connect with the high school students and share what we’ve learned thus far in school.” In addition, GA-PCOM students fundraised to provide scholarships for two Central Gwinnett students to attend Camp Cardiac and Camp Neuro which took  place on campus in June.