Hushed excitement and presentation easels filled Studio 225 on Friday as groups of newly admitted University of Georgia students prepared design sprint pitches for a panel of judges.
This Shark Tank-style event wrapped up Dawg Camp Innovate, a unique orientation experience that introduces incoming first-year students to the university and the Classic City, emphasizing UGA’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape.
Throughout the week, 24 students heard from UGA and community speakers on topics like experiential learning, campus involvement and design thinking. Students also toured campus, met with UGA Entrepreneurship Program alumni and had dinner with President Jere W. Morehead.
“I chose Dawg Camp Innovate because eventually I want to start a business, and I feel like this program offers a crash course in all things business,” said Zion Brannon, an intended pharmaceutical sciences major. “It’s cool to make likeminded friends who are thinking the same way I am.”
Since 2019, nearly 60 students have participated in Dawg Camp Innovate. This program is one of several Dawg Camps offered through UGA’s Department of Student Transitions in the Division of Student Affairs.
