Schools
Eight Forsyth Middle School Students Commit to Needs-Based Scholarship Program
The students must maintain a high grade point average and remain out of trouble until they graduate high school in exchange for scholarships
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Eight eighth-grade students who attend Forsyth County middle schools have joined a needs-based scholarship program that rewards successful students with financial assistance to go to college upon graduating from high school.
According to Forsyth County Schools, the eight signed “commitment letters” to participate in the Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen (REACH) Georgia program. REACH Georgia participants must earn high marks throughout their middle and high school careers and stay away from crime, drugs, or behavioral issues. Students must also meet with a volunteer mentor during their middle and high school years.
If the students graduate high school with a high GPA and clean disciplinary record, they will receive up to $10,000 in scholarships to be used at HOPE-eligible two or four year institutions in Georgia. Several institutions are already matching or double matching this scholarship, providing extra incentive for young students from financially disadvantaged homes to excel.
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“This program is a strategic investment in our students and our state, opening doors for youth in Georgia who may not have the opportunity to seek postsecondary education due to financial constraints,” said Gov. Nathan Deal in a statement. “The scholars who signed contracts today have demonstrated dedication to their educational achievement, and I encourage them to continue working hard so they can find success in college and become part of Georgia’s top-ranked workforce.”
Forsyth County Schools was only added to the REACH Georgia program this year, along with 17 other state school systems. REACH Georgia is part of Deal’s Complete College Georgia initiative.
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“Forsyth County Schools is honored to have been selected as one of the 18 additional REACH School Systems to participate in the REACH Georgia Program for the 2014-2015 school year and thereafter,” said Superintendent Jeff Bearden in a statement. “We appreciate our school and community leaders for helping us identify the deserving 8th grade students who will serve as our eight REACH Scholars.”
Superintendent Bearden congratulates students after signing. Credit: Forsyth County Schools
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