Last summer, the Office of Student Engagement and the Center for Serve-Learn-Sustain hosted their pilot extended orientation program, EngageATL. This community service-based program orients new students to Georgia Tech and Atlanta by engaging with local community partners on direct service projects while emphasizing the theme of creating sustainable communities. New students are introduced to Tech’s tradition of service and are encouraged to put Tech’s motto, Progress and Service, into action throughout the program.

During the 2016 program, students and staff served with the Proctor Creek Stewardship Council, Global Growers, and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Led by five student leaders, the 16 EngageATL participants reflected on their service experiences, interacted with student leader and staff panels, and formed strong connections with fellow incoming students from their class, all of which helped promote a positive transition to Georgia Tech.  

The 2017 EngageATL program hopes to double last year’s participation by increasing to 30 new students. Last year’s program spanned three days and two nights, while this year’s program will span four days and three nights.

The program will run from Aug. 14–17, and registration is $230. Registration closes Aug. 1 or when the program reaches capacity. For more information and to register, visit engage.gatech.edu/engageatl.

Current students who are passionate about leadership, community service, and sustainable communities are encouraged to apply to be a Student Leader for this year’s program. For more details about the Student Leader position, including the application, visit OrgSync.