Doubling Our Reach

President Brooks A. Keel, Ph.D., recently announced the University will double-match funds for the needs-based, Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen (REACH) Scholarship program. During the program, REACH Scholars receive a renewable annual tuition scholarship of $2,500 for use at a HOPE-eligible institution. Georgia Southern will increase the amount to $5,000.

“We’re proud to announce our intention of being one of the first public universities to double-match the REACH scholarship,” said Keel. “Through additional corporate partnerships, donations and proceeds the University receives from the sale of its specialty license plates, Georgia Southern will invest in the future of our state, one life at a time, by dedicating additional funds to the program.”

The program begins in middle school where students must sign a contract agreeing to maintain a “C” or better in core classes, attain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or better in high school and a 2.0 GPA in college, remain drug free, attend REACH program activities, develop educational and career plans, and maintain good attendance and behavior. Parents and guardians must agree to encourage their children to abide by REACH requirements.

“The REACH scholarship is a lifeline for hard working students who may not be able to afford the college education they so greatly deserve,” said Governor Nathan Deal. “Georgia Southern’s decision to expand their involvement with the REACH Scholarship will allow more of our students to accomplish their academic and career goals. I would like to encourage all Georgia colleges and universities to follow suit and continue to expand the promise of the REACH scholarship.”

The REACH scholarship program is a needs-based mentoring and scholarship program developed by Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, to ensure Georgia’s low-income students have the academic, social, and financial support needed to access college and achieve post-secondary success.