Georgia Tech Excel

Come join us on the 5th street bridge for the Excel Alumni Tailgate! 🏈

During a recent visit to the NSF Engineering Research Center for Cell Manufacturing Technologies (CMaT), EXCEL freshmen in the Career Explorations course learned about research aimed at improving the manufacturing of cell-based therapies. For some EXCEL students, these visits have led to internships or employment opportunities. 🔬

Nathan Heald, Senior Lecturer and Assistant Director, highlights the impact of Career Explorations for students: “The Career Explorations course helps broaden EXCEL students' understanding of different career fields and industries while exploring pathways that align with their interests and strengths. Through employer tours, career assessments, and student-led presentations, students gain valuable insight into a variety of professions. The course is highly interactive, allowing students to reflect on their goals, explore new interests, and make informed decisions about their future academic and professional journeys.” 🔍💭

Sherri Burrell, Mentorship Coordinator, reflects on the PEERS program for freshmen: "In teaching PEERS, I get to help students learn how to connect with others and practice skills in a supportive environment so they can build meaningful relationships in their young adult lives. My hope is that every student knows and feels that they belong and can thrive as members of the Georgia Tech community." 🐝

Come join us for our first event of the year, game night! Feel free to drop by from 4-6pm on Friday, September 11th. We are so excited to kick off another great semester!

🎓 Imagine your college journey at Georgia Tech.

Join an upcoming EXCEL information session to learn how students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) can build academic, career, leadership, and independent living skills while experiencing campus life as part of an inclusive college community. Students who complete the four-year program earn two certificates while preparing for success in college, careers, and life. Learn more and take the next step toward your future. ✨

Register for either an in-person or online session: https://excel.gatech.edu/visit/info-sessions

Thursday, July 23, was the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. As part of her job with the Fulton County Government Office of External Affairs, EXCEL student Leah Gartman (found in the group picture below) attended a rally event hosted in the atrium of the Fulton County Government Center.

The event was attended by 20+ vendors and over 100 stakeholders. The legacy of the ADA was honored and attendees shared a commitment to advancing accessibility, equity and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Concluding this series of EXCEL’s 10th anniversary celebration, Founding Director Ken Surdin reflects on how rewarding it is to support students as they discover their strengths, pursue their goals, and build confidence in themselves!

EXCEL Program Support Coordinator Ashley Johnson highlights the impact of the staff’s support on student growth, helping create an environment where students can thrive.

Nathan Heald, EXCEL Assistant Director and Senior Lecturer, shares how the program helps students access opportunities that support their academic, professional, and personal growth. He explains that students are able to transform these opportunities into meaningful futures through their own determination and independence!