NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A select group of Vanderbilt student-athletes are heading to Central America this month for a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Accelerator Global Immersion trip to Guatemala will allow nine Commodores the opportunity to try to solve real-world problems through entrepreneurship. Through a campus partnership with the Owen Graduate School and The Turner Family Center for Social Ventures, the program takes place in Antigua, Guatemala, and combines classroom instruction from renowned Vanderbilt faculty with hands-on projects led by regional business leaders.
Scheduled to take part in this month’s program are Tae Daley, Kenny Hebert, Braden Kopp and Justice Shelton-Mosley from the football program, Kayla Eason and Olivia Simmons from the soccer program, Gwyn Devin and Madison Foglio from the lacrosse program and Emily Cohen from Vanderbilt track and field. Those students will take foundational and intermediate courses, learn directly from CEOs and leaders of international social enterprises and apply new skills and experience through interactive case study exercises.
The Commodores involved will depart the United States on Sunday and arrive in Antigua, Guatemala, later that day. The six-day event includes visits to Antigua Cerveza, De La Gente Coffee and Ecofiltro, a walking tour of Antigua and a hike to a local volcano.
Upon the completion of the program, students will earn a prestigious certificate.
The Owen Graduate School also partners with the Center for Latin American Studies as well as the Summer Business Fellowship which provides further opportunities for student-athletes to gain business experience with companies such as American Airlines, Coca-Cola, FedEx, Wrigley and Habitat for Humanity.
