It is estimated that, on an annual basis, more than 33,000 minors, age 17 and under, attend programs sponsored by the Institute or conducted on campus, and a special duty of care and supervision is required to protect Georgia Tech’s youngest learners. To help support a safe and engaging environment for all who participate, volunteer, or work in these youth programs, the University System of Georgia and Georgia Tech require that all programs serving minors be registered at Georgia Tech’s Youth Programs website, youthprograms.gatech.edu. This registration, along with required safety protocols outlined in the Youth Programs Policy, helps mitigate risk and support everyone involved in working with minors.
“Youth programs are vital to campus,” says Jordan Baxter, senior compliance officer in the Office of Ethics and Compliance. “I admire the dedication that Georgia Tech faculty and staff put in to showcase the Institute and inspire the next generation of Yellow Jackets.”
Youth programs include internships with high school students, student organization outreach activities, summer camps, mentoring and tutoring in local schools, and more. Campus and lab tours, as well as school field trips to the Georgia Tech campus, are generally not considered youth programs.
Programs are required to register every calendar year, at least 30 days in advance of the program start date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of programming. By registering, programs that work with minors will proactively receive information on the resources and policies developed for the protection of minors and the program staff.
Visit Youth Programs to learn more and register your program. Questions may be sent directly to Jordan Baxter at jordanb@gatech.edu.