The EDGE program at George Mason University (GMU) is a hands-on learning experience for building trust, improving teamwork, shaping leadership, and cultivating valuable communication skills. The EDGE offers a variety of programs and activities that will empower its participants to excel as high-functioning teams by using collaborative decision making and problem solving. The EDGE program is a subsidiary of GMU’s Recreation department and is currently located at the Prince William campus in Manassas, VA. GMU students, private corporations, government entities, non-profit organizations, as well as neighboring universities and public schools are some examples of the participants that have utilized the EDGE’s customized services in order to further build strong and cohesive teams.
The EDGE program initially began at Hemlock Overlook in the 1970s. In 2009, the program moved to its current location at the Prince William campus. The program did not become part of GMU’s Recreation department until July 2013, at which point GMU Recreation had to pay off the program’s $200,000 debt. Currently, the EDGE employs 4 full-time staff members and approximately 15-20 facilitators, consisting of both student and non-student personnel.