Gwynedd's Historic Partnership with GCLI

We are delighted to share with you that our Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (GMAHS) 领导 Department has been awarded a three-year, $75,由 BLBB慈善. This generous grant will play a crucial role in developing essential skills of our students and preparing them to become capable, 自信, resilient leaders of the future. 

This BLBB grant will directly support our groundbreaking partnership with the Gardner Carney 领导 Lab (gcLi). The gcLi program is designed to empower faculty as exceptional mentors, guiding our students on journeys of self-discovery and leadership. The gcLi method combines brain science, social and emotional intelligence, 领导的研究, 文化能力, and developmental psychology. 

In a rapidly evolving world that demands adaptability and resilience, Gwynedd Mercy will become the first all-girls school in the country where all faculty and 工作人员 will learn, practice, and teach the gcLi leadership style. 事实上, professional development training is already underway, and throughout this academic year will continue to immerse faculty and 工作人员 in the experience, with the ultimate goal of certifying all GMAHS educators and 工作人员 in the gcLi program.

gcLi training with faculty and 工作人员 began in the Spring and picked back up with during August Professional Development days. 

Research has consistently shown that skills such as grit and resilience are not only as equally important as academic achievement, but also form the foundation of genuine intellectual and personal growth. These pivotal initiatives create a supportive environment that empowers our students to step beyond their comfort zones, embrace challenges as opportunities for personal and professional development, 探索新的视野. We believe that by equipping our faculty, 工作人员, and students with such critical tools for effective leadership, Gwynedd Mercy will stand out as a beacon of excellence in education. 

Development of our 领导 Department was born from our five-year strategic plan which launched in 2018. Under the guidance of our Director of 领导 Initiatives, Jennifer Cervone Guarnaccia ‘93, P’22, ‘25 – who herself is a gcLi Scholar – is structured to champion ethical leadership, develop leadership competencies, 激励变革推动者, encourage career exploration, 促进多样性, develop global competency, and combat unconscious gender bias.

Now beginning its sixth year, department continues to thrive and expands professional development offerings for faculty, hosting an annual community speaker series, with this year’s guest presenter focused on women in STEM  professions. We are pleased to report that we have already facilitated internships and externships for more than 100 students in diverse workplaces and professions – spanning innovation, 非营利组织的工作, 创业, 法律, 健康科学, 政治, 和更多的. 

L to r: Jenn Guarnaccia, gcLi Scholar and GMAHS director of 领导 Initiatives, Dr. Heidi Kasevich, director of gcLi 领导 Academy, Jeremy Lacasse, gcLi executive director

We extend our deep gratitude to BLBB慈善 for their support in making our vision a reality. 在一起, we hold the power to create a brighter future for our students and ignite a generation of exceptional and compassionate leaders.

Thank you all for your unwavering support and commitment to the growth and success of Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School.