The Honors Program is welcoming a cohort of 243 incoming first-year and transfer students this fall.  They represent almost every major on campus and hail from around Georgia, around the US, and around the globe.  Whether coming straight out of high school or having spent a year or two at another college or university, the students are already making their mark and demonstrating what it means to embody the spirit of the Honors Program.  They are conducting undergraduate research, have started non-profits, volunteered in their community, and tutored their peers. 

Two students stand out with what they have accomplished even before starting at Georgia Tech. 

Ayush Pai is a transfer student who is coming to Georgia Tech from the University of Florida.  In his application to the Honors Program, he cited his eagerness to participate in the Student Challenge Fund to “create innovative, service-oriented projects.” After being inspired by his volunteer experiences with the Shooting Stars Foundation, he wants to develop additional innovative service projects that can make a real impact on people's lives.

His decision to transfer was driven by Georgia Tech’s strengths in computer science overall, and AI specifically.  Pai has developed a system to bring AI technology onto the basketball court, assisting referees.  No more missed traveling or double dribble calls, as AI can step in when referees miss something.  You can read the full story about Pai’s innovation here and see a video of him talking about the program on YouTube. 

Esha Venkat is a first-year HP student from Ashburn, VA who will be majoring in Public Policy and minoring in Science, Technology, and Society.  Esha is one of the founders of NEST4US, a 501(c)3 organization that seeks to mobilize “volunteers worldwide to advance progress on societal issues and spark equitable solutions for the greater good.”  Their core programs address more than 14 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.  Esha has spent over 4,000 hours in volunteer work around issues such as global hunger, climate change, mental health, quality education, and social injustice.  NEST4US has over 6,000 volunteers who have contributed over $3 million in value through their volunteer efforts across more than 30 countries.

In her Honors Program application, Esha stated that “joining the Honors LLC would amplify my Georgia Tech experience by serving as a platform where I’ll network with fellow ambitious students and industry experts to continue effectively bridging the gaps in the social fabric of our ever-changing world.”  You can read more about Esha’s accomplishments on the NEST4US founder’s page.