GCSU Governors Summit 2025

Exchange Bank Supports Early Literacy Through Sponsorship of the 2025 Governor’s Summit

In Georgia, nearly 70% of fourth-grade students are not reading at a proficient level—a statistic that has lasting implications for academic achievement, workforce readiness, and long-term success. The Deal Center at Georgia College & State University (GCSU) is working to change that through its Annual Governor’s Summit on Early Language and Literacy.

The 2025 Summit brought together leading researchers, educators, policymakers, and community leaders from across Georgia to share current research, policy initiatives, and best practices related to early childhood literacy and language development from birth through age eight.

At Exchange Bank, we are proud to support this important work. As a sponsor of the Summit’s coffee service, we partnered with The Morning Grind and their Coffee for a Cause food truck, which served refreshments to attendees throughout the two-day event. Even more meaningful, proceeds from the coffee truck benefit the Life Enrichment Center (LEC)—a local nonprofit serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Baldwin County.

Adding to the spirit of community involvement, the LEC set up a booth beside the truck, showcasing and selling original artwork created by the talented individuals in their program. This collaboration exemplifies what Exchange Bank values most: supporting education, empowering local nonprofits, and investing in meaningful partnerships that strengthen our community.

We believe that addressing early literacy challenges requires a collective effort—and we’re honored to stand alongside organizations like GCSU’s Deal Center, the Life Enrichment Center, and small businesses like The Morning Grind to help make a difference in the lives of Georgia’s children and families.

Together, we’re building stronger communities—one child, one classroom, and one cause at a time.