Host a New Student Orientation Priddy Experience
Call for 2026 Priddy Experiences now open!
What is the Priddy Experience?
Each year, ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø offers its incoming students an exciting New Student Orientation (NSO) program to help students get acquainted with the school before classes begin. The Priddy Experience, part of the NSO program, provides a unique orientation experience to each incoming student and is often the highlight of a student's introduction to ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø and helps ease the transition to college.
All Priddy Experience programs include a half day of community service with a variety of organizations alongside a "cultural day" and “outdoor exploration day” to discover the local surroundings as a group and immerse themselves in the local community. Throughout these days together, groups begin building relationships with their fellow classmates, as well as to gain insight from their upper-class leaders. Group reflections and discussion surrounding academics and the culture at ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø are a large part of the program and provide opportunities for incoming students to begin goal setting and preparing for their upcoming first year of college.
Goals of the Program:
- Students will have a shared knowledge of ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø culture and develop a sense of belonging and connection to ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø.
- Students will learn the value of community service and the importance of community engagement throughout their time at ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø and beyond.
- Students will be better prepared for life at ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø by learning about academic and student life support services and ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø expectations.
- Students will begin to develop their leadership skills through experiential learning opportunities.
- Create a welcoming and inclusive environment and community.
How Can You Be Involved?
We are looking to partner with community organizations to offer impactful service opportunities for our incoming class during their New Student Orientation and Priddy Experience this coming August. This is an opportunity for you to connect with new ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø students, many of whom are new to Colorado Springs. By doing so we hope to build a sense of place and inspire ongoing engagement. Some things to consider before submitting interest to host a Priddy Experience service opportunity:
- Group sizes are expected to be 10-14 students each
- Service timeframes are set for 3 hour blocks in the afternoons of August 19-22, 2026
NSO Priddy Experience 2026 Service Dates and times
- Wednesday, August 19
- Afternoon (1:30pm-4:30pm)
- Thursday, August 20
- Afternoon (1:30pm-4:30pm)
- Friday, August 21
- Afternoon (1:30pm-4:30pm)
- Saturday, August 22
-
- Afternoon (12:30pm-3:30pm)
Questions on partnering with the Priddy Experience? Contact Outdoor Education at outdoored@coloradocollege.edu
Questions on partnering with ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø in other ways? Contact Niki Sosa Gallegos, Assistant Director of Community Partnerships at nsosa@coloradocollege.edu