Delta Air Lines has granted a $51,000 sponsorship to Emory University and five other notable educational institutions in Atlanta to facilitate a free passport program. This initiative is designed to enhance access to global educational opportunities and promote international perspectives among students.

The funding has been directed towards the Atlanta Global Research and Education Collaborative (AGREC), a network that supports global research and education projects in the Greater Atlanta area. The collaboration includes Emory University, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Agnes Scott College, Spelman College, and Kennesaw State University.

Delta’s sponsorship will enable the issuance of 300 passports across these institutions during the 2023-24 academic year. Each university will tailor its outreach efforts, organizing dedicated passport days or programs to align with their specific academic environments and student demographics.

The collaboration between AGREC, Delta Air Lines, and the universities represents a significant stride in removing barriers and facilitating opportunities for students to become global citizens. The initiative recognizes the transformative impact of diverse cultural experiences on students’ educational and personal growth.

Emory University’s Free Passport Initiative, launched in March 2023 by the Office of Global Strategy and Initiatives (GSI), exemplifies the university’s commitment to student enrichment. This program, accessible to Emory students receiving financial aid, covers the costs of U.S. passport applications and photos. By doing so, the initiative paves the way for eligible students to engage in international exploration and learning experiences.

The application process for Emory’s Free Passport Initiative’s fall 2023 cycle is currently open. Eligibility criteria include being an enrolled, degree-seeking Emory student receiving financial aid and being a first-time or renewal passport applicant. Priority is given to first-time applicants, and acceptance is on a first-come, first-served basis.

AGREC, formed in 2020 by Emory’s Office of Global Strategy and Initiatives and the Atlanta Global Studies Center, strives to establish collaborative networks of scholars and practitioners to support global research and education endeavors in the Greater Atlanta region. It brings together experts to address global challenges through collective efforts.