Standard of Excellence
Students On The Move
Students on the Move highlights the remarkable achievements of our dedicated scholars. This page showcases students who have not only excelled in our Leadership Training Program, but have also advanced their academic and professional journeys by securing opportunities with esteemed agencies and institutions. Their continued pursuit of excellence exemplifies the impact of our program and the potential of its graduates.
Joshua Caldwell – Community Leadership in Action (Fort Valley State University- A.T.I. Graduate Cohort (I)
Clark Atlanta University student Joshua Caldwell has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and public safety through his internship with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. After initially serving during the summer, Caldwell’s internship has been extended as he continues working with the department while pursuing full-time employment opportunities.
During his time with the Sheriff’s Office, Caldwell worked closely with the Community Outreach Team and supported the CHAMPS program, gaining valuable hands-on experience while helping strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community.
One of Caldwell’s most notable contributions was assisting in the launch of the first annual Law and Leadership Academy, a program designed to serve students in grades 6 through 12. The academy focused on equipping young people with essential life skills, including financial literacy, goal setting, leadership development, and understanding the consequences of choices, helping students develop the tools needed to navigate real-world challenges and make positive decisions.
Caldwell also played an important role in the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Back-to-School Giveaway, a three-week community initiative that began on June 15. Each weekend, volunteers collected school supplies, book bags, and financial donations at the Walmart on Salem Road. Through these efforts, approximately 8,000 fully stocked book bags were distributed to families across Newton County. Supplies were staged and organized at the Westside Precinct and later distributed at One Ram Way, ensuring students had the materials needed to start the school year prepared.
In addition to these initiatives, Caldwell supported several large-scale community events throughout the year. During Halloween celebrations held at Legion Field, Porterdale, and Oxford, the outreach team distributed approximately 2 million pieces of candy, providing children with a safe and welcoming alternative to traditional trick-or-treating.
He also assisted with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Christmas Giveaway, held December 19 through December 21, which served 500 families and included the distribution of 250 bicycles, ensuring that every child received a gift during the holiday season. The impact of this effort was deeply felt in the community, with one family sharing that Christmas would not have been possible without the support of the Sheriff’s Office.
Through his dedication to service, leadership, and community engagement, Joshua Caldwell continues to make a meaningful impact while representing the spirit of public service and community leadership.
Rokita Spencer – Clark Atlanta University (A.T.I. Graduate Cohort I (2024)
Clark Atlanta University student Joshua Caldwell has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and public safety through his internship with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. After initially serving during the summer, Caldwell’s internship has been extended as he continues working with the department while pursuing full-time employment opportunities.
During his time with the Sheriff’s Office, Caldwell worked closely with the Community Outreach Team and supported the CHAMPS program, gaining valuable hands-on experience while helping strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community.
One of Caldwell’s most notable contributions was assisting in the launch of the first annual Law and Leadership Academy, a program designed to serve students in grades 6 through 12. The academy focused on equipping young people with essential life skills, including financial literacy, goal setting, leadership development, and understanding the consequences of choices, helping students develop the tools needed to navigate real-world challenges and make positive decisions.
Caldwell also played an important role in the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Back-to-School Giveaway, a three-week community initiative that began on June 15. Each weekend, volunteers collected school supplies, book bags, and financial donations at the Walmart on Salem Road. Through these efforts, approximately 8,000 fully stocked book bags were distributed to families across Newton County. Supplies were staged and organized at the Westside Precinct and later distributed at One Ram Way, ensuring students had the materials needed to start the school year prepared.
In addition to these initiatives, Caldwell supported several large-scale community events throughout the year. During Halloween celebrations held at Legion Field, Porterdale, and Oxford, the outreach team distributed approximately 2 million pieces of candy, providing children with a safe and welcoming alternative to traditional trick-or-treating.
He also assisted with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Christmas Giveaway, held December 19 through December 21, which served 500 families and included the distribution of 250 bicycles, ensuring that every child received a gift during the holiday season. The impact of this effort was deeply felt in the community, with one family sharing that Christmas would not have been possible without the support of the Sheriff’s Office.
Through his dedication to service, leadership, and community engagement, Joshua Caldwell continues to make a meaningful impact while representing the spirit of public service and community leadership.
Office of Strategic Partnerships and National Campaigns; U.S. Department of Homeland Security
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Partnership and Engagement intern alumni network gained another shining star this week. A huge congratulations to Joshua Caldwell of Fort Valley State University on completing his internship with the Office of Strategic Partnerships and National Campaigns…
Texas A&M University System's Public Policy Scholars Program
Raniyah Edwards is a member of the inaugural cohort of the Texas A&M University System’s Public Policy Scholars Program. As part of a group initiative, she interned in a congressional office while collaborating on a 16-week policy brief focused on bridging the funding-to-performance gap in Texas K–12 education using artificial intelligence…
Newton County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach
Summer 2025 – The Newton County (GA) Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Team made a real difference in the lives of students. Their mission to empower young people through safety education, leadership development, and hands-on activities helped prepare them for the upcoming school year. A.T.I. Graduate, Joshua Caldwell, had the opportunity to contribute to this mission…
A.T.I. Scholar Advances Public Service through Spelman on the Hill
At the Center for Excellence in Public and Government Service, we are proud to spotlight Camille Charles, an A.T.I. Scholar from the 2024 Cohort, for her outstanding engagement in public policy and leadership.
This spring, Camille participated in the 2025 Spelman on the Hill program—an immersive experience that brought students to Washington, D.C. to engage directly with policymakers and present legislative proposals.
