Atlanta based learning ideas according to academic interest areas

The following provides a list of potential ideas for incorporating Atlanta-Based Learning opportunities and projects in your class based on academic interest areas. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. ABL staff can assist with researching additional sites that meet academic needs. Some opportunities may require training, background checks, and a minimum number of volunteer hours.

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  Paint a mural at a local school.
  
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  Attend or volunteer at events for the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, or the Atlanta Opera.
  
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  Create earrings, bracelets, and necklaces and donate to the Enchanted Closet Prom Dress Giveaway.
  
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  Visit exhibits at the Ernest G. Welch School of Art and Design Galleries.
  
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  Take a FREE tour of the High Museum of Art -please contact Jean for this opportunity.
  
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  Usher events of interest at the Rialto Center for the Performing Arts.
  
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  Take a tour of the Underground Railroad Quilt Code Museum at Underground Atlanta, and learn the significance of African patterns and symbols sewn into quilts and textiles in America that were one of many methods used as maps and coded messages.
  

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  Plan, coordinate, and facilitate a workshop on budgeting or how to balance a checkbook for the Andrew P. Stewart Center's adult program.
  
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  Be a money management coach or teacher at Buckhead Christian Ministry.
  
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  Assist the Center for Family Resources with their Annual Gala, and get a behind-the-scenes look at planning fundraising events.
  
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  Arrange a meeting with Central Atlanta Progress to learn more about the importance of conventions coming to Atlanta.
  
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  Work with a non-profit organization such as the Family Heritage Foundation to assist in fundraising efforts.
  
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  Assist clients with resume writing and interviewing skills at The ROCK (Resources Opportunity Center).
  
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  Visit a local Wachovia Bank branch and meet with an employee to discuss opportunities in accounting and banking.
  
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  Take a tour of the World of Coca-Cola.
  

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  Partner with an ESL student as a conversation partner.
  
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  Attend cultural events such as the Atlanta Greek Festival, JapanFest at Stone Mountain, and the Asian Cultural Experience (ACE) at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
  
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  Take a walking tour of Auburn Avenue: from having lunch at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, and learning about the significance of Auburn Avenue during the Civil Rights Movement.
  
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  Visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visitors Center, Birth Home and crypts of both Dr. and Mrs. King. Can tie in with the significance of the Civil Rights Movement.
  
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  Volunteer at the Family Heritage Foundation, which assists refugee and immigrant children and adults.
  
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  Mentor Latin American and Hispanic youth through the Latin American Association.
  

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  Work with the After-School All-Stars Program at Walden Middle School. Help children with homework, or be a mentor.
  
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  Assist children with their homework or teach arts and crafts at the Andrew P. Stewart Center.
  
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  Contribute your time to help at book fairs or sort books at the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library.
  
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  Teach GED preparation or computer training classes at the Center for Family Resources.
  
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  Facilitate sporting events or teach bible studies classes for the Family Heritage Foundation.
  
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  Volunteer with the Learning Link School-Age Care Centers at Progressive Redevelopment, Inc. by tutoring, facilitating arts and crafts activities, and sports.
  

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  Attend an event at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, or become a volunteer with their multiple programs such as GEMS or Garden Essential Maintenance.
  
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  Work with the Sierra Club on campus to raise awareness on the Beltline Partnership.
  
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  Take a self-guided tour of Centennial Olympic Park. Research the 1996 Olympics, and the importance of the Games on Atlanta's economic development.
  
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  Work with a group to mulch and plant trees at local elementary schools through Trees Atlanta.
  
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  Bring your green thumb and help transplant rain forest tropicals while learning horticultural skills from staff professionals at Zoo Atlanta.
  

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  Shadow someone in the medical field of your choice for a day.
  
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  Collect baby products for new mothers for the Good Samaritan Health Center.
  
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  Transport Grady Hospital patients in golf carts, to and from the parking deck.
  
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  Celebrate holidays with Jewish residents of non-sectarian nursing homes to maintain their community connection with others, with Jewish Family and Career Services.
  
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  Sort and pack unused medical supplies to be sent to healthcare institutions in developing countries with MedShare International.
  
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  Work with homeless animals at PAWS Atlanta, a no-kill animal shelter.
  
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  Pack meals at Project Open Hand, which provides freshly cooked meals and nutrition services to people living with symptomatic HIV/AIDS, homebound seniors and individuals with other critical illnesses or disabilities.
  

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  Take a guided walking tour of downtown Atlanta, and compare and contrast present buildings and landmarks with those from the past.
  
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  Provide behind-the-scenes assistance with research, archival processing, and care of objects, registration, and exhibitions at the Atlanta History Center.
  
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  Donate your time to the Atlanta Preservation Center by assisting with special events and educational programs.
  
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  Take a tour of the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) Archives and Museum. You can also research your Atlanta family genealogy; or set up your Atlanta Public School's class reunion.
  
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  Visit the Historic Oakland Cemetery and learn about the threads of civic history interwoven in its layout: Atlanta’s small-town beginnings, slavery, war, religious sectarianism, industrialization, to name a few.
  

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  Serve as translators at social agencies or shelters.
  
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  Pair up with an international student as conversation partners. Participate in an activity on campus or in Atlanta or a service project together.
  
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  Teach ESL (English as a Second Language) classes through the Family Heritage Foundation at the Willow Branch Apartment Homes in Clarkston.
  
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  Serve in various capacities as an intern for the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library.
  

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  Assist with special events or programs at the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library.
  
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  Read to children in hospitals through the Ready, Set, and Read program at Hughes Spalding Children's Hospital.
  
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  Assist the Literacy Volunteers of Atlanta with coordinating their annual spelling bee. Volunteers are also needed to teach in their ESL classes, and assist with their family literacy programs.
  
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  Volunteer at the Shakespeare Tavern, and receive discounts on food as well as watch the shows for free!
  

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  Plan a panel discussion with an educator, Human Resources director, and attorney and discuss affirmative action in higher education and the workplace.
  
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  Visit the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) Archives and Museum for research materials on court cases dealing with segregation.
  
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  Take a class trip to the Atlanta Federal Prison.
  
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  Visit the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.
  
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  Take a tour of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and learn about a career in forensics.
  

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  Create basic powerpoint presentations for non-profit organizations that can be used at future events or activities.
  
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  Assist with media communications and public relations at the Alzheimer's Association.
  

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  Work with a group to create a marketing plan for the IMAGINE IT! Children's Museum of Atlanta, to increase museum memberships.
  
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  Make a film of interest with a group, and submit to Campus Movie Fest.
  
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  Build your own personal website through CARE, and share with others your quest to fight poverty.
  
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  Take a CNN Studio Tour and get a behind-the-scenes look at this international news media outlet.
  
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  Create and update websites for non-profit organizations such as PAWS Atlanta.
  
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  Teach basic computer skills such as using the internet and how to look for jobs online, to adults at The ROCK Atlanta.
  

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  Assist with administrative duties and special events at the Alzheimer's Association.
  
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  Arrange for a speaker from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to talk on a requested topic.
  
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  Take a tour to see exhibits at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History or the Fernbank Science Center.
  

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  Volunteer at a non-profit organization of your choice and assist with administrative duties and projects. Learn further about non-profit administration and management.
  
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  Take a van tour of various areas of economic development in the Atlanta area.
  
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  Work with a non-profit organization of your choice in the development/fundraising department.
  
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  Take a walking tour of patrol areas with Atlanta Ambassadors Force or Midtown Blue.
  
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  Meet with leaders from Central Atlanta Progress to discuss trends in economic development from conventions and tourism in Atlanta.
  

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  Serve as an intake volunteer at Buckhead Christian Ministry. Meet with clients who come to BCM for assistance and assess their needs for referral.
  
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  Join the Hands on Atlanta Citizens Academy and participate in various projects over an eight week period.
  
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  Assist with sorting toys and clothing at the Foster Care Support Foundation, Inc.
  
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  Answer emergency calls and refer clients to organizations that can assist with their particular needs with the Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless in their mission to advocate for and represent the dignity and rights of people who are homeless in Atlanta.
  

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  Take a guided walking tour of Atlanta, and make observations of the current buildings and landmarks. Do research on what Atlanta used to look like, and how current buildings have changed.
  
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  Become professionally trained to be a walking tour guide with the Atlanta Preservation Center.
  
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  Take a bus trip on a specific MARTA route, and note the various areas of economic development.
  
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  Meet with representatives from the Peoplestown Revitalization Corporation, and learn further about the area's economic development. Assist with their various programs.
  
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  Invite a guest speaker from Progressive Redevelopment, Inc. to discuss their mission of "improving the quality of life for low-income families and communities by developing and managing decent affordable housing and by providing support services that promote personal and economic self-sufficiency."