Raising Highly Capable Kids Program Increases Positive Values and Social Skills in Children
GCO and its partners offered 15 RHCK workshops at 12 locations in 2025. Participants took pre- and post-workshop surveys that illustrated the ways families had grown stronger throughout the program.
Strengthening Her Family, Building Her Community: Shaneika Murphy’s Passion for Helping Others Flourish
After completing the Raising Highly Capable Kids workshop as a parent, Shaneika Murphy now supports other parents as a program facilitator. Her sons volunteer with the program, too. Together, the Murphys are a shining example of how strong families build strong communities.
GCO Praises Federal Leaders for Empowering States to Strengthen Pathways to Work through the Stronger Workforce for America Act
The Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026 includes an invaluable option for state flexibility, the Make America Skilled Again Grants. Georgia and other states need this option so they can design workforce and safety net systems that meet families’ immediate needs while providing a clearer path to opportunity and self-sufficiency.
Stronger Readers, Brighter Futures: Georgia Lawmakers Open Doors with New Literacy Bill
State legislators are paving the way for children to overcome challenges with literacy, empowering them to thrive in their academic development and build flourishing lives for themselves and their families in the future.
Unleashing Students’ Potential: Georgia Legislators Champion Advanced Math Opportunities
The Georgia General Assembly has passed a bill that will create opportunities for students to take advanced math classes earlier in their academic development.
Strengthening families for generational change: GCO welcomes Travis Thorne to the team
The Georgia Center for Opportunity (GCO) is honored to welcome Travis Thorne as the Vice President of Family. Travis will lead GCO’s Family Initiative and shape the future vision of its flagship program, Raising Highly Capable Kids (RHCK), which is an in-person,...
Affordability Tops the List of State Priorities for 2026
Eric Cochling in the DC Journal Originally published February 3, 2026 A full agenda is underway in the 35 states that have just convened their legislative sessions. Affordability is the buzzword heard far and wide, as millions of Americans continue to struggle with...
Crime Is Down, and It Should End ‘Root Cause’ Excuse-Making for Good
Josh Crawford in The Hill Originally published January 20, 2026 With 2025 behind us, violent crime — especially murder — is likely down nationally once again. Although it will be months before we have official statistics, early indicators suggest a continuation of the...
Understanding welfare work requirements: new eligibility rules for SNAP and Medicaid
Big changes are in process for some recipients of Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps) benefits and for the state governments that administer the programs. See a breakdown of the changes and who they will actually affect.
Shaping Georgia’s future: Opportunities for the year ahead
The well-being of many Georgians, their families, and their communities is at stake as pressing concerns like welfare reform, the cost of living, educational opportunities, and public safety take center stage in 2026.
