The overarching goal of REACH Georgia is to provide greater college access for students throughout Georgia and prepare them for the 21st Century Workplace. REACH wants to influence the postsecondary success, and ultimately life outcomes, of low-income students across Georgia.

​In the scholarship's initial two-year pilot, REACH Georgia added five school systems and committed 35 students as REACH Scholars, investing $350,000 to student scholarships. Today, REACH serves all 180 school systems across Georgia and more than 4,000 Scholars, committing over $40 million in scholarships.

REACH Georgia is administered by the Georgia Student Finance Authority (GSFA), a companion student finance entity of the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC). GSFC is the state agency that administers the HOPE Scholarship and Grant Program as well as other state- and lottery-funded financial aid programs. GSFC also manages the career and college preparation website, GAfutures.org, and provides educational services such as free financial aid consultation and FAFSA completion assistance to high schools and postsecondary institutions across the state.

• The Issue

• Our Action

• Our Success

REACH Scholars are required to sign a contract vowing to maintain good behavior, keep a cumulative grade point average above 2.5, meet with their REACH mentor at least twice a month and, along with their parents’ guidance, focus on achieving both a high school diploma and college degree.

Starr Mathews, the Calhoun Rotary Club, Georgia United Credit Union, Williams Energy, Truist Bank, Calhoun City Schools’ faculty and staff and the Calhoun High School student body have all pledged their support of the REACH scholarship program. "We are blessed to have these partnerships to ensure that all of our students have the opportunity to be successful," stated Dr. Michele Taylor, Calhoun City Schools' Superintendent.

REACH Georgia scholarships are funded through a combination of state public appropriations, state private donations and donations from the local communities that serve the REACH Georgia Scholars. Full details about the REACH Georgia guidelines, policies and procedures can be found in the program regulations. 

CCS REACH Coordinator: Susan Bennett

CCS REACH Mentor: Marie Funes

Class of 2029 REACH Scholars: Katherine Alarcon-Castillo and Carter Sutton

Class of 2028 REACH Scholars: Isaias Alezano and Arlette Orozco

Class of 2027 REACH Scholars: Pablo Garcia-Agustin and Lauryn Williams

Class of 2026 REACH Scholars: Erick Jaramillo and Marley Reyes

Class of 2025 REACH Scholars:  Sheyla Herrera-Monroy, Anthony Velazquez and Isabella Sanchez

Class of 2024 REACH Scholars: Lesly Chavez and Julissa Bahena

Class of 2023 REACH Scholars: Samantha Ramirez and Debany Rosillo-Olmedo

Class of 2022 REACH Scholars: Chris Canchola and Alexis Baggett

Class of 2021 REACH Scholars: Freddy Mena Bravo and Chantel Johnson

Class of 2020 REACH Scholars: Jennifer Guzman

Class of 2019 REACH Scholars: Josue Buendia and Ariana Guzman Cantellano