What is the Priddy Experience?

The Priddy Experience takes place during the week of NSO / WSO and provides a unique orientation experience for each incoming student. “Priddy” as it is more commonly known, is often the highlight of a student's introduction to Colorado Springs and helps ease their transition to college.  Students are placed into smaller “Priddy Groups” of 10-12 students and participate in half day Service, Local and Outdoor programs; students work closely with a variety of non-profit organizations to give back to the community, explore the region as a group, and immerse themselves in the local community by exploring downtown and hiking the trails in our nearby parks and open spaces.

Throughout these days together, groups begin building relationships with their fellow classmates and gain insight from their upper-class leaders. Group reflections and discussion surrounding academics and the culture at CC 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.  We hope that through the Priddy Experience, we can create a fun, safe, and welcoming environment for all incoming students.   

 

---

 Goals of the Program

1. Students will have a shared knowledge of Colorado College culture and develop a sense of belonging and connection to Colorado College.
2. Students will learn the value of community service and the importance of community engagement throughout their time at CC and beyond.
3. Students will be better prepared for life at Colorado College by learning about academic and student life support services and CC expectations.
4. Students will begin to develop their leadership skills through experiential learning opportunities.
5. Create a welcoming and inclusive environment and community.

 

---

 Where do the groups go?

Priddy Experience groups travel to a variety of service and recreation sites in close proximity to Colorado Springs.  Students engage in services ranging from Habitat for Humanity and National Forests to Rocky Mountain Field Institute and the Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado. In addition to providing these sites with many working hands for important projects, many sites also encourage students to explore concepts closely tied to the site, such as sustainable farming, community development, and environmental stewardship. We offer students to explore various outdoor recreation areas around Colorado Springs so that students can gain a sense of what Colorado Springs and greater Colorado offer in terms of outdoor recreation. Additionally, we offer local days to our students to familiarize themselves with downtown, local businesses, transportation, parks and museums, etc.

 

 

---

 

Explore Outdoor Education