Georgia’s largest school district is one of the best places for new graduates to work, according to Forbes Magazine. Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) made Forbes’ annual “America’s Best Employers for New Grads” list. On the list of 400 top employers, GCPS came in at 185, the top 1% of all companies. With nearly 24,000 employees, GCPS is the largest employer in Gwinnett County and one of the largest in Georgia.

     Forbes partnered with market research company Statista and surveyed more than 100,000 young professionals (defined as those with less than ten years of work experience) working for companies with at least 1,000 employees in the United States. Respondents were asked whether they would recommend their employer to others and to rate that organization in areas such as compensation, benefits, advancement opportunities, working conditions, flexibility, company image, and inclusion. Survey participants were asked whether they would recommend any of their previous employers or those they know through their industry or through family and friends who work there. Responses were considered from surveys conducted over the past three years. All data points were incorporated into a scoring system, with a heavier weight placed on employee recommendations and the more recent survey responses. The final list ranks the 400 organizations that received the highest scores.

     Delta Air Lines finished at the top of the list. AmeriGas Partners, a retail and wholesale company based in Pennsylvania, came in at 400. GCPS is one of only two K-12 school districts to make the list, ranking ahead of Yale University (209), the University of Pennsylvania (231), the University of Florida (237), Brown University (239), and Duke University (258) among others. GCPS Superintendent Dr. Calvin J. Watts is proud that the district has been recognized in this manner. “This honor speaks volumes about our organizational culture and values,” Dr. Watts shares. “It reflects our school district’s commitment to creating a supportive and dynamic work environment where new graduates can thrive and develop professionally. As such, we believe in fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and excellence, where every employee feels valued and empowered.”

     Cathy Hardin, GCPS’ Chief Human Resources Officer, says the district’s emphasis on its people is what makes GCPS an excellent place to work. “Our emphasis on professional development and continuous learning ensures that our employees are well-equipped to meet the challenges of today’s educational landscape,” Hardin shares. “Making Forbes’ ‘America’s Best Employers for New Grads’ list is a validation of the hard work our teams put in every day. It is a testament to our dedication to attracting and retaining top talent and ensuring our students receive the highest quality education. Being an employer that leads with empathy, values equity, moves and works effectively, and produces excellent outcomes makes a difference in our workspace and our community.”