Delta Air Lines has awarded Georgia Tech and five other prominent educational institutions in Atlanta a $51,000 sponsorship for a multi-university free passport program to help increase access to global education experiences and foster international perspectives among students.

The sponsorship was awarded to the Atlanta Global Research and Education Collaborative (AGREC) as part of Delta’s efforts to expand student access to global educational opportunities. AGREC consists of the Atlanta Global Studies Center (AGSC) — a partnership between Georgia Tech and Georgia State University — as well as Emory University, Agnes Scott College, Spelman College, and Kennesaw State University.

Delta’s sponsorship will fund 50 passports at each partner institution, totaling 300 passports during the 2023-24 academic year. Each university will oversee its own outreach program or dedicated passport day to tailor impact for the unique academic environments and student bodies.

“The Atlanta Global Studies Center is thrilled to have Delta’s support for our mission to enhance the study of global languages and cultures,” said Stuart Minson, associate director of AGSC, based at Georgia Tech within the School of Modern Languages. “This program will ensure that the initial hurdles will no longer be a barrier between our students and transformative global learning experiences.”

Georgia Tech’s Free Passport Initiative

Georgia Tech’s Free Passport Initiative, launched in mid-September by the Education Abroad team in the Office of International Education (OIE), demonstrates the Institute’s commitment to students connecting globally. Open to students with demonstrated financial need who are receiving financial aid, this initiative aims to eliminate the financial barriers that might hinder their ability to obtain a U.S. passport. By covering the passport application and photo fees, the program provides a gateway for eligible students to embark on journeys of international exploration and learning.

“We are grateful to Delta for their generous support of our students,” said Lorie Johns Páulez, director of education abroad. “Georgia Tech’s mission to create access for all students to connect globally is a top strategic priority, and this funding is critical to getting us closer to this goal.”

Applications for Georgia Tech's Free Passport Initiative's Fall 2023 cycle opened on Sept. 15. Interested students are encouraged to apply by Oct. 15 for consideration. Application acceptance is on a first-come, first-served basis. Details and the application checklist will be made available on OIE’s website.

Students awarded funding will submit their passport applications on Georgia Tech Passport Day, which will be held on Nov. 14 during International Education Week. More details will be announced soon.

Eligibility

• Enrolled, degree-seeking Georgia Tech students with demonstrated financial need, receiving financial aid
• Students must be applying to participate in a Georgia Tech Education Abroad Program (Faculty-Led Study Abroad, GT Exchange Program, Global Research, & Internship Program (GRIP), GT-Europe, GT-Shenzhen)
• First-time and renewal U.S. passport applicants (with priority given to first-time applicants)

Inquiries and questions regarding the initiative can be directed to education.abroad@oie.gatech.edu. Detailed information about U.S. passport requirements can be found at the U.S. Department of State’s passport website.

More about AGREC

Launched in 2020 and co-created by GSI and the Atlanta Global Studies Center, AGREC aims to build and strengthen collaborative networks of multi-institutional scholars and practitioners to support global research and education initiatives in the Greater Atlanta region, bringing together scholars and experts to address global complex problems.

“The collaborative work of AGREC makes the Delta free passport program and many other world-class opportunities for our students possible,” said Minson. “By working together through AGREC, Atlanta’s higher education community is stronger and better able to leverage the rich resources of this international city, not only to undertake innovative research, but also to develop the next generation of global citizens.”