During the first week of March, 19 Germantown Academy Upper School students traveled to New Orleans for a meaningful service-learning opportunity through the GA Experience Program (GAXP). Fourteen 10th and 11th Grade students attended, along with five senior class leaders who helped guide the group throughout the week.

Designed to deepen students’ understanding of service learning, nature, and the arts, GAXP offers transformative, hands-on educational experiences through travel, exploration, and immersive learning beyond the classroom. Supported through GA’s endowment and offered to students free of charge, this vital program expands the boundaries of learning while fostering meaningful connections with communities and the world beyond the GA campus. This trip was made possible through the generosity of The Griswold Family GAXP Community Service Program.

While in New Orleans, students partnered with Youth Rebuilding New Orleans, an organization dedicated to strengthening communities through volunteer-driven rebuilding efforts. The group stayed in the organization’s volunteer bunkhouse and worked on construction and water management projects designed to support neighborhood resilience.

Students also collaborated with Sprout, a local organization focused on strengthening local food systems. One of their primary projects involved building a fence around a new community garden that will provide neighborhood residents with improved access to fresh food while serving as an important gathering space. In addition to construction work, students helped address water flow challenges, an ongoing environmental concern in the region.

“Our students worked incredibly hard and were determined to make a positive impact,” shared GAXP Coordinator, Middle School Science Teacher, and Director of Middle School Student Life Kate Cassidy, who chaperoned the trip alongside Upper School History Teacher and Upper School Community Service Organization Director Bob Moyer 1760, and Middle School Librarian Sarah Kebaugh. “They were wonderful travel companions and truly embraced the spirit of service.”

Beyond their volunteer efforts, students explored the rich history and culture of New Orleans. A guided tour provided insight into the causes and lasting impacts of Hurricane Katrina, while a visit to the Presbytère Museum offered exhibits on both the storm and the traditions of Mardi Gras.

Students also spent time exploring the French Quarter, including a stop for beignets at the iconic Café du Monde, and enjoyed an evening on Frenchmen Street, where they experienced live music and visited a local art garden.

The trip also provided opportunities for students to build community with one another. Shared responsibilities, from preparing meals to reflecting on the day’s work, helped strengthen connections among the group.

Through meaningful service, cultural exploration, and shared experiences, the trip offered students a deeper understanding of community resilience and the power of being collaborative in action. Impactful experiences like this embody GA’s commitment to developing engaged, compassionate leaders who are prepared to make a positive impact in the world.