Cobb EMC Foundation Invests in Student Resilience

Cobb EMC Foundation Supports Expansion of STRIVE Program in Cobb County Schools

The Cobb County Public Schools Education Foundation is proud to share that we have been awarded funding from the Cobb EMC Foundation to support the expansion of STRIVE (Student Resilience, Intervention, and Vital Environments) across Cobb County schools.

This funding will strengthen trauma-informed care initiatives that directly support students’ social, emotional, and behavioral well-being. Through the STRIVE program, schools are better equipped to respond to student needs with compassion, structure, and proven strategies that promote long-term success.

Support from the Cobb EMC Foundation will help advance key components of STRIVE, including Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI) training, the development of sensory spaces, and an incentives store that encourages positive behavior and engagement. These resources play a vital role in creating safe, supportive environments where students can regulate emotions, build resilience, and stay connected to learning.

The Cobb EMC Foundation awards funding to organizations that align with its mission, demonstrate meaningful impact within its service territory, and support causes important to Cobb EMC members. We are honored to partner with an organization that shares our commitment to student well-being and strong communities.

We are grateful to the Cobb EMC Foundation for investing in programs that make a lasting difference in the lives of Cobb students. Together, we are building schools that support the whole child and foster resilient, thriving learners.

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Gerald Shelton Perseverance Award

By Kiara Garcia • March 11, 2026

Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship A Memorial Tribute Honoring the Life of Gerald Shelton Gerald Shelton was a man defined by kindness, quiet strength, and a deep belief in the power of education. Throughout his life, he treated others with generosity and respect, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. For ten years, Mr. Shelton faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease with remarkable perseverance. Even as the disease progressed, the love and dedication he inspired in his family remained constant. His journey became a powerful example of resilience, patience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Mr. Shelton believed that education opens doors and creates opportunities. He valued learning not only for the knowledge it provides, but for the confidence and determination it builds in young people as they shape their futures. A Legacy of Perseverance In honor of Gerald Shelton’s life and the perseverance he demonstrated during his battle with Alzheimer’s disease, the Cobb Schools Foundation is proud to establish the Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship . This scholarship reflects the values Mr. Shelton lived by — resilience, determination, and the belief that education can help students overcome obstacles and reach their goals. The Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship will support students who demonstrate the courage to keep moving forward when life becomes difficult. It celebrates young people who show determination, strength of character, and commitment to continue pursuing their education despite challenges. Continuing His Legacy Through this scholarship, Gerald Shelton’s legacy will live on in the lives of students who embody the same perseverance he showed throughout his life. Each recipient will carry forward his spirit of resilience — proving that when challenges arise, perseverance can lead the way to opportunity and hope. We are deeply grateful to Joy Doss, President of the Cobb Schools Foundation, and her family for honoring her daddy's life in a way that will inspire and support students for generations to come.