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The Grand Challenges program is not only unique because of the academic challenges it offers Georgia Tech freshmen, but also because all students participating in the program live together in Howell, located on East Campus. The way the program uses Howell is completely new for Georgia Tech. The whole space is reserved for students in the Grand Challenges program, which creates a great community of people that have common experiences and interests. Since all residents are program participants, the common areas aren't just used for lounging around. Instead, you use the space to work with your groups on projects, have study sessions, and more. Along the same lines, Dr. Wynens, Dr. Butera, and Kari White have offices located in Howell, making it easy to drop in if something’s on your mind.

On any given day, many things could be happening in Howell: legos, TED talks, the Discovery Channel, Settlers of Catan, 3D puzzles, Reading the Economist, personal projects.... It’s not a typical freshman hall because the students who are interested in participating in this are not your average freshman. Howell also has its own social and extracurricular events, which allow you to spend time with the rest of the community outside of the classroom.

The building itself was constructed in 1939 but renovated in 1999. Its location places its residents adjacent to the Freshman Quad, Brittain Dining Hall, and Bobby Dodd Stadium. While these are both great benefits to the hall residents, the main motivation for choosing Howell is that it’s small enough to create a tightly knit community. Since all of your neighbors have been chosen to live with you based on common interests, a close bond with everyone in the dorm creates a unique culture to begin your Georgia Tech career.