Bartow Students Sign Deal To Get $10K If They Graduate

BARTOW COUNTY, GA — Georgia State Senator Bruce Thompson said it best when he addressed Bartow County School System’s 2018-2019 REACH Georgia Scholars on Thursday, Oct. 25.

“Do you know how big of a deal this is?," he asked the students. "Some people are not given the opportunity, but you are. Take the opportunity, determination, and desire, and make it to the top.”

REACH Georgia, now in its second year at Bartow County Schools, is all about opportunities. The statewide program works with school systems to award select eighth-grade students up to $10,000 in scholarship money when they graduate high school to attend a two- or four-year Georgia REACH college or university of their choice. Some institutions match or even double match that amount.

The second cohort of REACH Georgia Scholars includes Robert Brown and Kaylie Stanley from South Central Middle School, Alondra Burgos and Jessica Kaufmann from Cass Middle School, Moses Flores from Adairsville Middle School, and Justus Young from Woodland Middle School. These students were recognized Thursday at the REACH Georgia Signing Ceremony where they inked their commitments to follow through with this unique opportunity.

“I was pleased to see these students commit to a 2.5-grade point average or higher, regular attendance, and good behavior,” says Bartow County School System Superintendent Dr. Phillip Page. “I was also happy to see their parents or guardians sign a contract to show their support and commitment to this endeavor. These efforts will pay off in dividends and afford these children unique opportunities that they would not find in any other program.”

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It was standing room only at the signing ceremony, as teachers, counselors, principals, school board members, mentors, and community leaders filled the Bartow County College and Career Academy.

“Seeing representatives from local colleges, having mentors in attendance, and being supported by their families, I think Signing Day was very successful in conveying just how important this scholarship is to their future,” REACH Georgia Coordinator Kristy Mitchell said. “One of my favorite parts of this program is seeing the power of advocacy when Scholars regularly meet with their mentor and academic coach.”

This six-year-old program serves nearly 1,200 scholars in more than 134 school systems across Georgia. The state’s goal is to have all 180 school systems participate by 2020.

Image via Bartow County School System