The REACH Program Regulations provide requirements for student eligibility. Eligible students must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen for 12 consecutive months prior to the first day of classes of the spring term of the REACH Scholar’s 7th grade school year.
  • Be enrolled in a REACH Participating School System.
  • Qualify according to the federal income eligibility guidelines.
  • Not have had more than two in-school suspensions during the two semesters or four quarters immediately preceding the spring term of the student’s 7th-grade year.
  • Not have any crime and/or drug convictions.
  • Not be deemed truant (truant: any child who is subject to compulsory attendance and who has more than five (5) days of unexcused absences during the student’s middle school calendar years).
  • Have his/her parents/guardians complete and submit a release of information form, as part of the application process, authorizing the school to provide Georgia Student Finance Authority (GSFA) information related to the student’s participation in the program.
  • Demonstrate academic promise (grade, attendance and behavior requirements).

 

Award Amounts for the REACH Georgia Scholarship Program

 Students who complete the program requirements will receive a scholarship of up to $10,000 ($2,500 per year maximum) to be used towards the cost of attendance at a University System of Georgia (USG), Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), or eligible private postsecondary institution.

  • $2,500 per year, up to four years
  • $1,250 per semester
  • REACH scholars awarded less than the maximum amount per semester or quarter may receive the remaining funds for an additional term not to exceed the maximum semester ($1250). 

Award Limits

A student is ineligible for the REACH Scholarship if the student:

  • Has a combination of financial awards that exceed the total estimated cost of attendance; or
  • Is not enrolled as a full-time student (12 credit hour course load) at the end of the drop/add period; or
  • Does not activate the award within two years of high school graduation; or
  • Does not use the award money within five years of award activation.

 Application Process

Students are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to qualify for the REACH Scholarship.

Valdosta State University will match up to $1,000 per year for up to 4 scholars each year ($500 per semester for two terms). Two returning scholars and two new Freshman scholars will be selected and awarded each year. Scholars are required to complete a REACH Scholarship Application by the May 30th deadline each year.

 Maintaining REACH Eligibility

 While in Middle/High School

  • Maintain strong grades
    • A middle school REACH Scholar must maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 2.5 or better as calculated by the School System.
    • A high school REACH Scholar must maintain a Secondary Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 2.5 as calculated by GSFA/GSFC in the same manner as the high school grade point average for initial HOPE Scholarship eligibility.
  • Maintain good attendance
    • REACH Scholars must adhere to the Participating School System’s stated attendance policy and attend classes regularly. A REACH Scholar will be placed on probation for one semester after reaching five or more combined excused and/or unexcused absences in one semester. While on probation, the Scholar may be removed from the program if he/she has any additional unexcused absences or three or more excused absences.
  • Maintain good behavior
    • REACH Scholars must adhere to the Participating School System’s stated disciplinary policy. A REACH Scholar will be placed on probation for one semester if he/she receives more than one in-school suspension per semester or immediately upon an out-of-school suspension. While on probation, the Scholar may be removed from the program if he/she has an additional suspension.
  • Remain drug and alcohol-free
    • A REACH Scholar convicted of committing a felony or misdemeanor involving marijuana, controlled substances, and/or dangerous drugs, is immediately ineligible for further participation in the REACH Program.
    • A REACH Scholar who fails to comply with the Participating School System’s drug and alcohol policies will be immediately ineligible for further participation in the REACH Program.
  • Meet with his/her assigned REACH mentor a minimum of eight times per semester.
  • Meet with his/her assigned REACH academic coach a minimum of four times per semester.
  • Attend REACH program activities.
  • Graduate from high school.
  • Enroll in a University System of Georgia (USG) or Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) institution or an eligible private postsecondary institution of their choice.

While in College

  • Must be enrolled full-time at an eligible postsecondary institution
  • Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and Satisfactory Academic Progress.
  • Complete and submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year of college
  • Cannot be in default on a federal or state educational loan or owe refund for a federal or state student financial aid program