Four exceptional Bartow County students have earned the opportunity to attend a Georgia college, university, or technical school nearly cost-free upon graduating and completing the REACH Georgia Scholarship Program!
The 2024 REACH Georgia Scholars are Juana Abigail Tzun Parral from Adairsville Middle School, Kari Snow from Cass Middle School, Monserrath Diaz Salazar from Red Top Middle School, and Halyn Neely from Woodland Middle School. This eighth cohort of REACH Georgia Scholars officially signed their commitment letters Tuesday at the Bartow County College and Career Academy, in the presence of school leaders, board members, and area representatives.
Nominated by their counselors and teachers in the spring of their seventh-grade year based on grades, attendance, and behavior, these students completed an application process that included interviews. They were then selected to join 34 other REACH Georgia Scholars already in the program.
Through REACH Georgia, students receive academic and social support to ensure they graduate from high school and attain a college degree or certificate. This support includes pairing each scholar with a mentor.
"I look forward to getting to know this next cohort of REACH Scholars,” said Program Coordinator Kristy Mitchell. “They are hard-working, motivated young adults, and I’m honored to share this experience with them as they work toward graduation. Mentors are needed this academic year to visit our Scholars once a month at school and support them as they work to earn the prestigious REACH Georgia scholarship. Anyone interested can email me at Kristy.Mitchell@bartow.k12.ga.us.”
Upon successful program completion, students earn a $10,000 scholarship. Certain schools will match or even double match the scholarship, increasing the amount they can earn to $30,000. Students can also qualify for other scholarships.
The 12-year-old program serves more than 4,000 scholars in all 180 school systems across the state.