Students from all over the state have spent a week on Fort Valley State University's campus for the REP4 Summer Summit. Today marked the summit's last day and students gave presentations about potential solutions to three areas of focus for Fort Valley, Georgia - mental health, food insecurity and financial literacy. Led by FVSU's College of Education and Professional Studies Dean Beth Day-Hairston, Ph.D., the students conducted research, created prototypes and engaged with students and alumni to prepare their presentations. Some students even attended the City of Fort Valley Council meeting on Thursday evening to share some of their ideas.

The City of Fort Valley Mayor Jeffery Lundy, City of Fort Valley Council Members Alonzo Allen, Juanita Plant Bryant, Fred Van Hartesveldt and Carla Gowen, Fort Valley Police Chief Anson Evans, representatives from Congressman Sanford Bishop's office, and other local leaders were in attendance. The event provided a perfect opportunity for future leaders and local leaders to exchange ideas and discuss ways for the community to collaborate with FVSU to address some of the issues presented.