Georgia Tech Excel

Georgia Tech’s Excel program first started in 2015. The program offered by the Georgia Institute of Technology is a four-year college program for students with an intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) leading to two separate certificates.

Certificate 1: Academic Enrichment, Social Fluency, and Career Exploration 

Certificate 2: Social Growth; Leadership, and career Development.

Excel courses include content in:

• Reading and writing Comprehension 

• Math

• Science/Technology 

• Financial Literacy and Money Management 

• Interpersonal Communication/social skills 

• Community Engagement 

• Project-Based Learning

• Career Exploration and Preparation

• Preparing for After-College Transitions. 

Excel is incorporating A.I. into their courses to make sure students understand how to use it to problem solve, do research, help with assignments, and understand the ethical aspect of using it.

The EXCEL Mentorship Program (EMP) is an opportunity for undergraduate students at Georgia Tech to grow, learn, and share skills with students in the EXCEL program with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The EMP consist of peer-supports from all seven colleges, with varying career goals and backgrounds. The EMP is a goal-based program, where mentors support student’s growth in social, leadership development and independent living skills.

We understand that the majority of undergraduate students are not experts on various independent living or social skills. Due to this, peer-supports are matched with EXCEL students based on common goals and interest. This allows students and peer-supports to grow, hold each other accountable, get out of their comfort zones, and gain skills that will be mutually beneficial moving forward.

The EXCEL Mentorship Program is a unique opportunity for undergraduate students at Georgia Tech. Peer-supports are vital to the success of the EXCEL program, working as the bridge to inclusion, helping students to gain self-confidence, and to engage in campus life.

In addition to the formal roles listed below, the EXCEL Program hosts numerous inclusion events throughout the year, including a Spring Formal, Trunk or Treat, weekly pick-up kickball and frisbee games, and many other activities on-or need more structure in their schedule.

Excel Class Support: Time commitment: 3-5 hours/week.

May provide 1:2 or 1:3 in-class support for Excel fundamental classes (may include out of class time):

• Technology 

• Self-Awareness

• Health and Wellness

• Career Exploration

• Financial Literacy

• Leadership

• Career Exploration

• Career Development

The class offerings change each semester.

The EXCEL Alumni Program was established to sustain and enhance the gains of the Excel Program at Georgia Tech. The goal is for Alumni of the EXCEL Program to maintain their social networks, career development, health, and independent living skills while continuing to grow in all of the dimensions of the life. 

The program provides both in-person and virtual events to serve our graduates as they disperse across the nation and world while building community. The EXCEL Alumni Program values the relationships adults with intellectual disabilities gain in an inclusive environment and promotes continued inclusion through inviting alumni mentors and community partners to participate in events and contribute to the program.

As of this writing, The Excel program has produced 63 Graduates, 55 of which are currently employed. That represents 87.3% of their graduates are employed. Two students, both of who were in the program, have gotten married and one is currently engaged. There are currently 19 students living on campus, while 18 students are living in apartments off campus with other Excel students. Many of the EXCEL students living in apartments will continue to live independently once they graduate depending on where they are employed.

---

Thank you, Ken Surdin, Director, for the above information.