Serving Every Georgian
Across the state—from rural towns to military bases—we are leveraging the University's flourishing research platform as a catalyst for change.
WE BOOST LOCAL ECONOMIES.
WE SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES.
WE PROVIDE CRITICAL HEALTHCARE SERVICES.
UGA's Small Business Development Center has created opportunities across the state, leading to more than 15,000 jobs, 2,000 businesses, and $9.5B in sales in five years. And our Community Defense Resilience Program connects the cities and towns near U.S. military bases with UGA experts who help boost their economies, support families, and leverage natural resources.
This is impact in action. Together, we are changing lives in Georgia.
Archway connected College of Environment + Design students to design a pocket park in downtown Hawkinsville. The park was completed with support from the Pulaski Tomorrow Leadership Program, which is also supported by Archway and the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development.
Archway Partnership
The Archway Partnership connects UGA's brightest minds with communities in Georgia to create lasting change. Since 2005, more than 2,000 students and 300 faculty members at UGA have rolled up their sleeves to tackle projects including:
- Supporting downtown revitalization through infrastructure and community branding in Pulaski County;
- Restoring historic buildings and developing green spaces in Fort Valley;
- Improving community healthcare options in Washington County; and
- Designing a new downtown community park in Thomson.
UGA alumna Meredith Lachin creates colorful artwork for the Color the World Bright initiative. As part of the project, Lachin painted murals depicting doctor visits on the side of the MedLink building in Danielsville.
Rural Engagement
The program Look Ahead Georgia is a summer internship and career development program that provides students with hands-on career experience while building internship and career development program that provides students with hands-on career experience while building a pipeline of skilled workers ready to fuel rural economies. Students do everything from setting up Wi-Fi systems, developing quality control documentation, and shadowing surgeons. The program has expanded from its initial offering in Pulaski County to Laurens County, and it will be in six counties next year.
Academic faculty connect with communities to tackle challenges through the University's Rural Engagement Workshop. The University Economic Development Association recognized this program with the 2024 Award of Excellence.