In February, more than 20 eager GA students traveled to Louisiana for five days to partner with Youth Rebuilding New Orleans, an organization established in the wake of Hurricane Katrina that engages local youth to rebuild and revitalize distressed and foreclosed properties.

Students helped install plumbing and other infrastructure at a community garden in preparation for an outdoor kitchen facility to be used by a local school. This project was particularly impactful as it will provide easier access to fresh food, establish a vital community gathering space, create meaningful opportunities for local students, and will help manage the persistent issue of water flow in the area. 

“Managing public space and how it interacts with water is a major focus in New Orleans and, to that end, we spent a lot of our volunteer time working in community gardens, digging trenches, and building trellises and other infrastructure,” said Middle School Director of Student Life and Science Teacher Kate Cassidy. “Our group was remarkably eager to make their impact felt, and worked with amazing strength, flexibility, and efficiency to complete each task, no matter what was asked of them. They were wonderful ambassadors of our school, impressing everyone we met while we were away from GA.”

This unique excursion was part of GAXP (GA Experience Program). Piloted in 2017, this vital program is funded through its endowment and has continued to grow through generous donations from The E.E. Ford Foundation, BLBB Charitable, and numerous alumni and parent of alumni donors. Multiple trips are organized each year that are designed in educational strands of service learning, nature, and arts. Students apply to attend and when accepted, the trips are offered to them free of charge. GAXP closely aligns with the newest sixth priority of GA’s Strategic Vision - Learning for Life - which aims to strengthen the future-ready capabilities students need to thrive personally, professionally, and in their communities.

“GAXP is a great experience,” said Blake Brown ’24, who is a multi-trip participant. “Leaving home and going to a totally different place with people you don't know might sound scary, but after it is over, it could be the best decision you've ever made in your high school career. Regardless of where we go -- North Carolina, Alabama, or Louisiana -- we can get hands-on experiences, learn more about the history of different places, and the culture of different people.”

In addition to the work they did with Youth Rebuilding New Orleans, the students also experienced local favorites and sights, including a tour of the French Quarter, visits to museums to learn about the history of Jazz and the impact of Hurricane Katrina, and live music on Frenchmen Street. Middle School Librarian Sarah Kebaugh said, “The group was all-in for whatever the next unique experience was going to be and that getting the chance to see a group of students from different grades and backgrounds come together and build a small community that takes care of one another is so special to see.”

Students will have the opportunity to join one more GAXP trip this year, a biking and camping trip through Pennsylvania that will run the week after graduation. The trip will be led by 4^th Grade Teacher and Grade Level Coordinator David Nagel.