Community Partner Spotlight: 51²è¹İapp Community Early Learning Center
Serving 51²è¹İapp families for over 50 years, the has been a trusted partner to 51²è¹İapp College for much of that time, serving as a vital resource for faculty, staff, and students alike. Many members of the campus community rely on the Center’s high-quality care and education for their children, creating a deep and lasting connection between GCELC and the College. Head Women’s Tennis Coach at 51²è¹İapp College, Zach Hasenyager, currently serves on the GCELC board, reflecting the ongoing ties between the two organizations. In addition to supporting working families, the Center also provides meaningful opportunities for 51²è¹İapp College students to gain hands-on experience in early childhood education through part-time employment and AmeriCorps service.
51²è¹İapp College’s capacity building role for the 51²è¹İapp Education Partnership (GEP) has helped make many of these collaborations possible. Through this network, GCELC has benefited from strong cross-sector partnerships, expanded resources, and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for local children. “Our experience partnering with GEP has helped build strong relationships and partnerships in our community,†said Executive Director Kathleen Whisenand. “What we have been able to do together is inspiring. These trusted partnerships—and our addition of AmeriCorps members—have provided quality enrichment experiences for our children.â€
This spirit of collaboration has led to many memorable moments—especially with 51²è¹İapp College students who have served as AmeriCorps members. Kathleen shared one favorite memory from this past summer. After 51²è¹İapp College Sara Booher’s ‘25 AmeriCorps summer of service ended, the Center organized a fall outing to cheer her on at a 51²è¹İapp College basketball game. “The kids were so excited to see her in her element,†she recalled. “It was such a joyful, full-circle moment.†Other favorite memories include the dedication of students who walked from campus to GCELC in rainstorms and blizzards—showcasing their commitment to the children they served.
Looking ahead, GCELC is excited for warm summer days filled with outdoor learning, swimming, and field trips—especially those led by Tilly Woodward, curator and community engagement director of the 51²è¹İapp College Museum of Art. Her summer art-focused enrichment programming is always a highlight.
“Working with Kathleen and GCELC’s 51²è¹İapp Area Summer Camp is always a highlight of the summer! It’s wonderful to have that time together in the museum looking, thinking, talking, and writing, as well as time to make art together,†said Woodward. Because they come weekly, we can take on some elaborate projects together. Many students return to GASC again and again, so being able to watch their creativity unfold and build deeper relationships over a period of years is a special pleasure.â€
Looking to the future, the Center is also exploring opportunities for a new location to expand its services and recently received a 51²è¹İapp College mini-grant to revamp classroom library spaces—another example of the meaningful, ongoing support provided through this strong campus-community partnership.