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Our Vision

The Georgia Center is more than a conference center, hotel, and events venue—it’s a purpose-driven facility dedicated to enriching learners and embodying excellence and responsiveness. It houses UGA’s continuing education division, a full-service hotel, banquet and conference spaces, restaurants, and opportunities for memorable experiences. Charitable investments support its mission, enhancing experiences for UGA students, attendees, and visitors. Founded in 1957, it hosts over 1,000 programs and events annually, engaging nearly 60,000 lifelong learners each year.

View of the University of Georgia sign made of brick that states Center for Continuing Education & Hotel with a student walking towards the building sign

Funding Opportunities

Luetrell G. Sims Student Excellence fund with the current winner

The Luetrell G. Sims Student Excellence Fund

The Georgia Center Student Worker Excellence Fund was recently renamed to honor of Ms. Luetrell G. Sims. A longtime Georgia Center employee, Ms. Sims embodied the ingenuity, keen problem-solving skills, and dedication to hospitality that visitors have come to expect at the Georgia Center. In the 1960s, Ms. Sims crafted the now famous Strawberry Ice Cream Pie recipe. Each year, the Georgia Center employs approximately 200 students and this fund supports an annual award given to students who embody the character, hard work and spirit of service demonstrated by Ms. Sims.

Georgia Center employees standing on a stage receiving awards.

The Georgia Center Fund

Each day, the dedicated employees of the Georgia Center ensure the success of learning opportunities for all. Contributions to this fund aid in acknowledging and rewarding team members who surpass expectations and embody the mission of the Georgia Center. This fund also bolsters new programs and initiatives offered by the continuing education team.

Georgia Science and Engineering Fair

The Georgia Science & Engineering Fair (GSEF), coordinated by the Georgia Center, provides a platform for nearly 700 students from grades 6-12 to present STEM projects to top-level science and engineering professionals. GSEF gives students the opportunity to showcase their research to the professional STEM community and guides participants through the patent process. Charitable gifts to GSEF underwrite equipment rental, awards, venue expenses and more.

two students working on a engineering project during summer camp at UGA

The Summer Academy Fund

The Summer Academy Fund grants middle and high school students access to STEAM summer learning opportunities offered at the Georgia Center. The fund provides scholarships to eligible students participating in these enriching experiences.