While many students spend their spring break relaxing, a group of 18 University of Georgia students volunteered their time to join the 2026 Road Dawgs, traveling across Georgia to visit with hundreds of high school students and share a glimpse of college life.

“Road Dawgs is an initiative that brings the UGA experience directly to high schools across the state of Georgia,” said Matt Huberty, Road Dawgs program director and assistant director of admissions for community-based organizations for UGA’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions. “It’s a unique opportunity that allows current UGA Bulldogs to share their personal college journeys, discuss how they’ve grown through the college experience, and engage in meaningful conversations with students about the questions and concerns they may have about college.”

The Road Dawgs program started in 2016 as a way for students at UGA to inspire high school students across the state to consider the possibilities of higher education. Coordinated by UGA’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions, this year’s Road Dawgs talked to more than 220 high school students in Augusta and the metro Atlanta area during Spring Break.

The program not only impacts high school students. Student volunteers from UGA praise the program, reflecting on how it has helped them develop confidence and become more intentional in their academic journeys. It can also spark a passion for mentorship, outreach, and leadership.

“As a first-generation student, it leaves me fulfilled knowing I can provide high school students with a better understanding about college and ease some of the nervous tension they may have when it comes to making such a massive transition in their life,” said Miriam Martinez, a first-year entertainment and media studies major and first time Road Dawg. “The experience has definitely reshaped the person I was before moving onto campus, but the transformation redefined who I am and what I want besides a college degree.”

After the success of the Road Dawgs Spring Break initiative, the program has expanded to include a Home Edition, which takes place during winter break. The new initiative strengthens the geographic reach of the program to connect with more high school students across the state. Similar to the Spring Break Edition, UGA students volunteer and return to their respective high schools to inspire current students.

During this year’s winter break, students visited more than 25 high schools and talked with over 300 high school students statewide. The program hopes to reach as many students as possible and continue to foster meaningful connections.

“It’s deeper than just presenting information,” said Jeremiah Hughey, a first-year management information systems major and a first-time Road Dawg. “It’s about being someone high school students can relate to. Every visit is an opportunity to shift someone’s mindset, even if it’s just one student, and that’s something I never take lightly.”