Dr. Tacy Ashby

Students continue to face suicide and bullying every day around the country. Through the Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life Conference on Tuesday at GCU Arena, Dr. Lily Matos DeBlieux and Gina Godbehere hope to create awareness of these social issues and how to prevent them.

GCU’s Academic Excellence Site (AES) partnership with Westwood Elementary is multi-faceted, from a pre-service resident teaching program to the Learning Lounge, Canyon Professional Development, Leadership Coaching and Parent View. Among the many positive results: Westwood students are building skills, gaining momentum and developing a vision for higher education.

Grand Canyon University has wrapped itself around Westwood Elementary, the first of three K-12 schools designated as an Academic Excellence Site. As part of GCU President Brian Mueller’s five-point plan, a team of departments, including K-12 Educational Development, the College of Education, and the Learning Lounge, collaborate to improve academic success in local schools and help young students consider college as part of their future.