Five Bartow County students earn the opportunity to attend a Georgia college, university, or technical school nearly cost-free upon graduation and completion of the REACH Georgia Scholarship Program!
The 2022 REACH Georgia Scholars are Kyleigh Gunter and Alexis Scott from Adairsville Middle School, Rainey Parham from Cass Middle School, Wyatt Burch from Red Top Middle School, and Alex Tello from Woodland Middle School. This sixth cohort of REACH Georgia Scholars officially signed their commitment letters at the Bartow County College and Career Academy in front of school leaders, board members, and area representatives.
The REACH Georgia Scholars were nominated by their counselors and teachers in the spring of their seventh-grade year, based on grades, attendance, and behavior. After completing the application, students were interviewed, and then selected to join 24 other REACH Georgia Scholars already admitted into the program.
Through REACH Georgia, students are given academic and social support to ensure they graduate from high school and attain a college degree or certificate. Part of this support includes pairing each scholar with a mentor.
"Every year, we interview 16 candidates nominated by middle school teachers and counselors,” said REACH Georgia Coordinator Kristy Mitchell. “This year's group was exceptional. They even asked us some great questions. It is so difficult to narrow the pool to five, but I know the students in this year's cohort are appreciative and excited to be a part of REACH Georgia. It is evident by the showing we had at the commitment ceremony that they have the support and encouragement needed to be successful. I can't wait to get to know these students better over the next few years."
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 11-year-old program serves more than 3,600 scholars in all 180 school systems in the state.