Sophomore Class Atlanta Leadership Experience (SCALE)

In your first year, you went on a Global Journey. In your second, you’ll discover a world of potential in your own backyard.

During Peak Week, all second-year students (sophomores) form teams and work with one of our incredible community partners — corporations and nonprofit organizations across the Atlanta area — for a weeklong externship.

SCALE offers an opportunity to practice both leadership skills and career readiness.

You’ll select an organization related to your major and career interests. You and the other members of your SCALE team will spend three days preparing with a faculty member. You’ll take what you learned in your first-year Leadership Development class and prepare to apply it to a real-world situation.

Then, you’ll spend three days in an on-site immersion with your partner organization. You’ll observe their leaders in action. You’ll also help analyze and assess specific organizational challenges or opportunities. You’ll creatively problem-solve and contribute to conversations and ideas.

After, you’ll spend a day debriefing with faculty. You’ll reflect on how to integrate what you’ve learned into your next steps, as a leader and as a professional, as you move forward to experiential internships and research within your major.

Partners and Projects

Atlanta gives us access to incredible partners for SCALE — from Fortune 500 companies to local nonprofits. Students are matched with their organizations based on their career interests and skillset.

You might observe day-to-day operations at AT&T, or become an arts administrator for a week at Synchronicity Theatre. You could help organize a maternal health fundraiser at the Atlanta Birth Center or help Zoo Atlanta craft its messaging about the importance of conserving biodiversity.

2025 SCALE Placements