The Clarke County School District is pleased to announce its 2024-25 cohort of REACH Scholars. Five eighth-grade students are on track to be awarded academic scholarships through REACH Georgia (Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen), a needs-based mentoring and scholarship program providing students a framework of educational and financial support to aid their successful journey through high school and beyond.
The 2024-25 cohort includes:
Natalia Calderon-Salazar and Kimberly Trigueros of Coile Middle School. Natalia and Kimberly also tied for the top score on the district REACH application.
Inza Kamagate, Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School
Shacori Griffith, Clarke Middle School
Khloe Brown, Hilsman Middle School.
These five students were selected by CCSD through a multi-level process, including an extensive application, school-based semi finalist selection, and a panel interview with REACH Committee members and district staff. Scholars must maintain at least a 2.5 grade-point average, exhibit good behavior, and maintain attendance throughout middle and high school to remain part of the program. Throughout their time in the program, the students will be assigned an academic coach who will ensure they remain on track to succeed by:
monitoring student progress,
helping students develop education and career plans, and
identifying academic and social supports.
Upon program completion, students are awarded a $10,000 scholarship, which can be used at any HOPE-eligible institution in Georgia. A majority of Georgia colleges and universities match or double-match this scholarship, meaning that students can earn up to $30,000 in REACH scholarship money coming out of high school. The program is coordinated statewide by the Georgia Student Finance Commission and locally by CCSD’s Department of School Counseling.
Each of the five REACH scholars participated in individual “signing” ceremonies at their schools with their families this month, signifying the students’ commitment to successfully complete the program and their families’ commitment to support them in their educational journeys. They will also be recognized and celebrated at the Dec. 12 meeting of the Clarke County Board of Education.
“We are proud of and excited for each of these students on this achievement and the tremendous opportunity ahead for them and their families,” said CCSD Superintendent Dr. Robbie Hooker. “Thank you to all of the teachers, counselors, and other school staff who have supported them to this point in their educational journeys and who will continue to do as they work toward realizing their full potential and the bright future ahead of them.”
To learn more about REACH Georgia, go to reachga.org.
Check out a photo gallery of the REACH signings on the CCSD Facebook page.