AU OUTREACH eNews

June 2025 Volume 3, Issue 10

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GEDI publishes 2024 Impact Report

The Government and Economic Development Institute (GEDI) has published its 2024 Impact Report highlighting department achievements over the past year. The report showcases tangible results of GEDI’s work in leadership and professional development, economic and community development, and public and private sector support and education. 

Through strategic partnerships, innovative approaches, and dedicated outreach, GEDI has played a critical role in strengthening Alabama’s economic landscape. From training the next generation of public servants to equipping local businesses and economic developers with the skills necessary to thrive in a competitive market, GEDI’s programs help to build stronger, more resilient communities throughout Alabama. The report recognizes collaborations with Auburn University, University Outreach, public sector partners, business leaders, and community stakeholders as a key factor in GEDI’s success.



GEDI, a department of Auburn University Outreach, operates under the mission of improving the quality of life in Alabama and its communities by promoting effective government policy and management, civic engagement, and economic prosperity. To read the full report, visit www.auburn.edu/outreach/documents/GEDI_4pg_Impact_Report_2024_8.5x11_Final2_accessible.pdf or contact GEDI at info@gedi.auburn.edu or 334-844-3685 to request a printed copy.

From Movement to Mindfulness:

LaFayette's Holistic Approach to Rural Health

 In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Auburn University Rural Health Initiative launched its first in a series of community events with the LaFayette First Annual Mental Health Fair. Organized by Mental Health Coordinator, Graduate Assistant Anna Beth Gandy, the fair brought together community members, Auburn students & faculty, and local partners for a day centered on wellness, connection, and education.

Held in LaFayette, a longtime partner community, the event featured a vibrant mix ofactivities. Zumba and yoga sessions encouraged movement and relaxation, while vision board making invited creativity and intentional goal setting. A standout aspect of the day was the series of “community conversations” focused on everyday mental health topics, led by Auburn students and faculty.

“The LaFayette Mental Health Fair was an amazing opportunity to engage and talk with those in our neighboring communities to promote access and awareness to mental health resources!” said Chloe Cordell, a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student who presented at the fair.

Participants in the “Fueling Your Mind” conversation received free groceries, emphasizing the connection between nutrition and mental wellness, and directly supporting the community’s needs. The fair marked a meaningful step toward increasing mental health awareness in rural areas and showcased the power of collaboration and community-based initiatives. Gandy shared, “We’re committed to creating safe, engaging spaces for mental health across all our partner sites.” The Rural Health Initiative continues its mission to celebrate and support mental wellness in the communities it serves with more events planned over the summer.

Young Professionals in Training (YPiT)

Pitch Competition

FIRST PLACE – The winning pitch came from PuriGutters, a self-cleaning gutter proposed company.

2ND PLACE – YPiT students Tyler Sims & Zoie Sims; pictured with Jailin Sanders, AU student mentor and AmeriCorp VISTA for CEOE.

3RD PLACE (from left to right): Wendell Padgett, Kinsley Milner, Jessica None & Makala Jackson

Judges for the pitch competition included: "Grandma Val" of Grandma Val's Lemonade & More ... whose wisdom and community perspective proved invaluable; Tiffany Gibson of Girls Steps, Inc., bringing her expertise in youth development and empowerment; Joshua Sahib, Director of The Lowder Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurship of Auburn University's College of Business with his entrepreneurial insight; and Shannon Morris, Area Coordinator of Auburn University Housing, offering her unique perspective on student needs and campus life.

Young Professionals in Training, a program supported by the Center for Educational Outreach and Engagement, recently held the Young Professionals in Training (YPIT) Pitch Competition. The competition highlighted emerging entrepreneurs in a dynamic showcase of innovation from local 5^th-12^th graders in the program. Hosted at the College of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Building, the event demonstrated the power of cross-campus collaboration. The New Venture Accelerator from the College of Business played a pivotal role, providing not only monetary prizes that will help winners transform their concepts into viable businesses but also support for programming.

Competitors presented their ideas before an accomplished panel of judges including "Grandma Val," whose wisdom and community perspective proved invaluable; Tiffany Gibson of Girls Steps, Inc., bringing her expertise in youth development and empowerment; Joshua Sahib, Director of The Lowder Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurship of Auburn University's College of Business with his entrepreneurial insight; and Shannon Morris, Area Coordinator of Auburn University Housing, offering her unique perspective on student needs and campus life. The winning pitch came from PuriGutters, a self-cleaning gutter proposed company.

This collaborative effort between Auburn University Outreach, New Venture Accelerator, Auburn University faculty, and local entrepreneurs exemplifies Auburn University's commitment to fostering innovation through interdisciplinary partnerships. By bringing together diverse expertise and resources, the YPIT Competition has created a platform where promising ideas can flourish with the support of experienced mentors and tangible resources.

The event emphasized how Auburn University can catalyze entrepreneurship while preparing middle and high school students for real-world business challenges, ultimately leading to their success.

GEAR UP ACHIEVE UPDATE

Region 8 GEAR UP Students Explore STEM

at AUM Expo

GEAR UP Achieve students from four region 8 schools - Goodwyn Middle School, Robert C. Hatch High School , Southlawn Middle School and R. B. Hudson STEAM Academy - recently experienced Auburn University at Montgomery's STEM Expo. The event featured a College and Career Fair, hands-on STEM activities and educational speakers from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. 

Student highlights included​ drone flying, exploring careers via virtual reality headsets, learning about programmable cars and coding, and visiting booths and tables to collect college promotional items. 

UPDATES FROM OUTREACH GLOBAL

Submit your proposal today!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute Courses

June 18, 2025

Branding and Marketing Your Community for Success

Auburn University Alumni Center, Auburn, AL

October 14, 2025

Essentials of Economic Development

Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, Prattville, AL

November 18, 2025

Leveraging Alabama Financing Programs for Local Economic Development

Auburn University Alumni Center, Auburn, AL

Intensive Economic Development Training Course

Week I: July 14-18, 2025

Week II: September 8-11, 2025

The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center, Auburn, AL

For more information on GEDI programs or to register, visit www.auburn.edu/outreach/gedi

Follow some of our programming on social media:

AuburnServes

https://www.facebook.com/AuburnUniversityServes/

GEAR UP Achieve

GEAR UP Achieve - Facebook

Circle K International at Auburn

(student led community-service organization)

Circle K International at Auburn University - Facebook