5 Bartow Students Named REACH Georgia Scholars

CARTERSVILLE, GA — 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 2021 REACH Georgia Scholars are Lakota Cummings and Aiden Pledger from Cass Middle School, Josue Granado from Red Top Middle School, Raleigh McCain from Woodland Middle School, and Sam Gardner from Adairsville Middle School. This fifth cohort of REACH Georgia Scholars officially signed their commitment letters Oct. 26 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 19 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. Members of the community are asked to complete a background check and training, and then visit their mentee at school twice a month.

"This year's group is full of different personalities,” said REACH Georgia Coordinator Kristy Mitchell. “During the interview, some were outgoing, while others were very shy. They were all so appreciative of this opportunity. I am looking forward to getting to know them, and I'm sure they will do a great job."

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 10-year-old program serves nearly 2,400 scholars in 154 school systems across Georgia, committing more than $24 million in scholarships.