40 college students from 20 countries around the world have been chosen as members of the 2026-2027, Class of the Georgia Rotary Student Program
(GRSP), a one of a kind cultural and educational program that brings international students ages 18-24 to Georgia for a year of study, leadership skills development, community engagement and the opportunity to form lasting relationships with fellow
students and Rotarians.

This year’s Class will attend 21 colleges and universities across Georgia.

The students’ year in Georgia will officially kick off August 21–23, 2026, with the GRSP Conclave at The DeSoto Hotel, where students will meet each other for the first time, connect with their Rotarian sponsors and host families and be welcomed by Savannah Mayor Van Johnson.

Friday and Saturday will include orientation sessions for students and Rotarians. The highlight of the weekend will take place Saturday evening with the always entertaining “Cabaret”, during which students will showcase their home countries featuring traditional dress, cultural presentations, skits and musical performances.

Founded in 1946 in the aftermath of World War II, GRSP was created to foster peace through understanding. Since its inception, approximately 4,000 students from 113 countries have participated in this program, unique to Georgia, returning home having experienced American culture and everyday life first hand.

Each student is sponsored by one or more Rotary clubs whose contributions to theGRSP Foundation, Inc., provide the student with a one‑year college scholarship. In addition to their studies, students gather at various times throughout the year as they travel the state and spend time in communities as guests of local Rotarians. Not only does this enable them to stay in touch with each other, it also gives them the opportunity to see and enjoy Georgia up close and personal.

A favorite gathering each October is the Hue Thomas, Jr., GRSP Weekend in Savannah, sponsored by area Rotary clubs. This event, named for Savannah Rotarian Hue Thomas, Jr., who chaired GRSP for 35 years, offers students the opportunity to see and experience the beauty, history and charm of Georgia’s “First City.”

GRSP is the only program of its kind in the world, offering a distinctive blend of academic opportunity, cultural exchange and community connection.

For more information about the Georgia Rotary Student Program, visit www.grsp.org.