GCPS receives grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

     Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) is one of six school districts to receive grant funding from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation (AMBFF), in partnership with Atlanta United FC, the Atlanta Falcons, and PGA TOUR Superstore, totaling $6.3 million over three years to increase access to sports at the middle and high school level.

     “GCPS values meaningful partnerships as one of our greatest resources in educating the children of Gwinnett,” says Eric Thigpen, GCPS executive director of Academic Support. “This investment reflects our shared commitment to creating opportunities that support student growth both on and off the field. Beyond athletics, these upgrades foster stronger community connections and promote student well-being by encouraging family engagement and healthy, active lifestyles.”

     Through this partnership, GCPS will install field lighting at six athletic fields across the district. These improvements will allow schools to expand scheduling flexibility by hosting soccer games on weekdays, not just Saturdays. Additionally, the enhanced lighting will provide athletes and coaches with greater visibility and safety, ensuring they can compete at their best beyond daylight hours.

     “The Arthur Blank Foundation’s generous contribution will have a transformative impact on middle school athletics within our district,” adds GCPS Director of Athletics Jason Holcombe. “This investment will significantly expand access to sports programs, particularly for students in underserved communities, advancing our commitment to equity and inclusion.”

     In addition to helping alleviate the cost of participation in boys and girls soccer at the middle school level, funds will also help establish girls’ flag football programs at 14 middle schools in 2026.

     “Participation in athletics fosters essential life skills that extend beyond the playing field, including discipline, teamwork, and leadership—qualities that support academic achievement and personal growth,” Holcombe says. “Moreover, this donation will create lasting benefits for our community by promoting lifelong healthy habits and strengthening connections among students and families.”

     The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation is a philanthropy founded to help transform lives and communities by uniting people across differences to find common cause. Started in 1995 by Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, the foundation has granted more than $1.5 billion to charitable causes.