Innovation Academy at the University of Georgia | By WorldStrides

Innovation Academy at the University of Georgia

Welcome to Dawg Nation

Founded in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in the United States. This esteemed institute of higher learning is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs, researchers, and informed citizens who will change the world.

That’s where you come in. The University of Georgia’s Innovation District has partnered with WorldStrides to host the inaugural Innovation Academy in summer 2024. This unique program is your opportunity to test-drive life as a college student, enjoy unparalleled access to different departments and facilities across the campus, network with leading visionaries on the UGA faculty and staff, and work collaboratively with your fellow high schoolers to design elegant and lasting solutions to problems currently facing the local Athens, GA community.

Meet the Head Dog(s)

In 2019, Sports Illustrated officially declared Uga the white English bulldog as The Greatest Mascot in College Football History. Since 1956, Uga has been the beloved mascot of the University of Georgia. If you get the chance to meet Uga, keep an eye out for his spiked collar, the official symbol of his position on campus, his custom-made jersey, and his on-field air-conditioned doghouse.

To keep Uga company, Hairy Dawg—the costumed UGA mascot—made his first appearance at the 1981 Sugar Bowl. Together, this bulldog squad makes up the heart and soul of the University of Georgia.

Ready, Set, Innovate!

Have you ever had a brilliant, life-changing idea for a new creation, or else just like the idea of inventing something fun, creative, and useful? Congratulations, you’re an innovator! (Even if you’re not sure how to bring your wonderful ideas to life yet.)

The University of Georgia is a global leader in innovation—the successful development of new ideas, products, and services designed to meet various needs. You can probably find examples of successful I-District innovations already in your home! New cultivars of blueberries, peanuts, and soybeans have all been produced and brought to market through UGA. During your time at I-Academy, you’ll learn the skills you need to successfully take a concept from idea to reality.

A Day in the Life at I-Academy*

7:30am – Breakfast in the Dining Hall

8:30am – Daily Download: Innovation Skills Development

9:00am – Workshop Rotation:

• Data-driven decision making

• Discovering set-based solutions

• Fostering a growth mindset

• Implementing lean agile workflows

12:00pm – Lunch in the Dining Hall

1:30pm – Rec Sports Challenge Course

4:00pm – Brain Break

5:30pm – Social Dinner

10:30pm – Lights Out

*This sample schedule is provided as an example of the overall scope of a typical I-Academy program day. It is not intended to represent a specific daily schedule.

Innovation Academy Highlights

During your two weeks on the University of Georgia campus, you can look forward to participating in a wide range of activities, challenges, and immersive innovation workshops, including:

• The I-District Challenge This program-long challenge will test your ability to put all of your new skills, techniques, and knowledge together to construct human-centered solutions to problems facing the greater Athens, GA community. You’ll work in teams over several days and, at the end of the challenge, everyone will display their hard work and proposed solutions for fellow students, program faculty, and staff members from the Innovation District.

• An Evening with the Experts Spend an evening flexing your networking skills at this mocktail networking reception. You’ll mingle with leading visionaries from the UGA faculty, staff, and Innovation District network to learn more about the people behind industry-changing innovations. You’ll also meet with student members of UGA’s prestigious Industry Fellows program.

• Multiple Skill Workshops These workshops will provide you with the practical skills you’ll need to bring your creative ideas to life. Topics include: Let Data do the Driving, an exploration of data as science and how the digital age is fueled by data; Always Be Growing, an exploration of fixed vs growth mindsets and how to cultivate life-long learning; and Land That Internship, an exploration of the art of professional self-presentation with a focus on resume building, portfolio construction, and interpersonal skill development.

Contact Us

More questions about what to expect at I-Academy?

Don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our team at UGAInnovation@WorldStrides.com or (844) 219-7340

Dates & Tuition

June 16—29, 2024 | Tuition: $3,495