UGA gears up for Peach State Tour

Many students and families in rural Georgia who live more than 25 miles from a Peach State Tour location will be able to take a free, chartered bus provided by the University of Georgia to one of the college information events planned across the state from Aug. 19 to Sept. 5.

UGA's Office of Admissions staff teams up with their counterparts from Georgia State University and Georgia Tech each year for the Peach State Tour, when the three institutions hold information sessions in 23 cities and towns across Georgia. The free transportation provides an additional opportunity for students to attend one of these events, which are hosted within 50 miles of every Georgian.

The President’s Office at UGA is providing funding for the free buses to encourage all interested students to attend a tour event and learn more about higher education opportunities in Georgia.

“The University of Georgia aims to develop leaders who represent Georgia’s diverse population, including students from rural parts of our state,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “Providing free transportation to the Peach State Tour information sessions is one of the many ways we are helping these students gain access to the outstanding education offered at UGA.”

Currently the university has finalized plans with 15 rural high schools to offer the free transportation to their students, and that list will continue to grow.

This initiative builds on the university's ALL Georgia Program, launched in 2018 to support enrolled students from rural communities with a network of resources and common experiences to help them succeed and graduate from the university. In its first year, the program was made available to about 4,200 students.

“More than 85% of undergraduate students at UGA are from Georgia, and the university is committed to serving students and families all across our state,” said Patrick Winter, UGA’s associate vice president for admissions and enrollment management. “During our outreach efforts, we answer questions about UGA’s programs and application process, but we also provide information about the University System of Georgia and emphasize that with its 26 schools, there’s one that will be a good fit for everyone.”

The Peach State Tour begins on Monday, Aug. 19 and ends on Thursday, Sept. 5, with free sessions throughout the state. It offers specific opportunities for students and their parents, as well as for high school counselors, and will answer questions about academic opportunities and the application process.

Last year, nearly 6,000 students, parents and counselors attended one of the statewide Peach State Tour events.