U-Lead Athens

U-Lead Athens is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to enabling college access to higher education for immigrant students and students from immigrant families, including un(der)documented students (those with DACA, TPS, children of undocumented parents and other limiting documentation statuses). U-Lead was founded in 2014 in response to Georgia’s discriminatory policies that deny un(der)documented immigrants admission to UGA and other “selective” universities, and require the highest tuition rate at all other 2- and 4-year institutions. Educators from Clarke County School District and the University of Georgia consulted with CCSD high school students on what they wanted the organization to do, its name, and the basic structure. We began with about a dozen students in August 2014 and have grown to an average of 50 students attending each week.

U-Lead Athens welcomes immigrant students and students from immigrant families in the Athens-Clarke County area who are seeking higher education. We welcome persons of every age, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, immigration status, and language spoken.