Founded in 1989, Georgia Youth Science & Technology Centers, Inc. (GYSTC) is a private, not-for-profit educational organization designed to increase interest in and enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering and mathematics as subjects for serious study, particularly among elementary and middle school teachers, students and parents in typically underserved areas in the state. GYSTC is operated by Kennesaw State University, located just north of Atlanta, with 13 regional centers across the state. Situated on the campuses of public colleges and
universities, technical colleges, science museums and Regional Education and Service Agencies (RESA), our centers are managed by experienced science educators who deliver and operate programming for their respective centers.
GYSTC is truly a partnership of education, government and business and industry at all levels. Over 300 leaders across Georgia actively volunteer their time, experience and resources to serve on regional GYSTC Boards of Directors. Our Executive Directorate and Board Emeriti are composed of a cross section of leaders from the public colleges and universities, state agency heads and former chief executives of major corporations in Georgia.
The state GYSTC, Inc. Board of Directors is a cooperating partner with Kennesaw State University and shares the responsibility of the overall direction of the organization and for helping to secure and provide resources to support the programs. High-ranking business and educational leaders and representatives from the University System of and the Technical College System serve on this prestigious board.
A typical regional GYSTC Board of Directors is made up of local school superintendents, curriculum directors, business and industry leaders, college presidents, faculty and government officials, all working together to increase support for the center and its exrensive educational activities.
Our Mission
The Georgia Youth Science and Technology Centers, Inc. provides quality programs for teachers of STEM subjects that improve the teaching and learning process at the kindergarten through eighth grade levels. We present programs that change students’ perceptions about careers in science and inspire an appreciation for all sciences, mathematics, technologies and related disciplines.
Our Vision
GYSTC will be the organization of choice throughout the state of Georgia for promoting student interest and achievement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics from kindergarten through grade eight.