MOULTRIE – Culinary arts, radiology, and nursing are just a few of the possible majors a group of eighth graders are considering now that they know they have the financial means to obtain a college degree through REACH.

Alyxis Herring, Alan Marquez-Cruz, Ramon White, and Nay’Tarian Wright are the 2024 Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen Scholars for Colquitt County School District.

Former Governor Nathan Deal launched the program in 2012 as a critical initiative of Complete College Georgia. School systems partner with REACH Georgia and identify academically promising eighth-grade students to receive REACH Scholarships.

Scholars are paired with a mentor and an academic coach through high school. Scholars must maintain good grades (2.5 GPA), behavior, and attendance.

Upon graduation from high school, scholars are given a $10,000 scholarship to be used at a Georgia HOPE-eligible two-year or four-year college. Some colleges have pledged to double or triple the scholarship.

Rondesha Williams, director of student services, said, “This is my first year overseeing the REACH Scholar program, and I know this will be one of my favorite events each year. Seeing these students and their families so excited about their future and the opportunities now available to them is something extremely special.”

School counselors and other staff nominate students. A community selection committee then screens the nominations. This year’s committee included Dr. Stacie Farley, associate professor, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine; Caroline Horne, executive director of the United Way of Colquitt County; Joel Jenkins, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Moultrie-Colquitt County; Katrina Reynolds, Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office; and Lisa Robinson, Hero House.

The REACH Committee, Board of Education members, district, and school administrators honored the 2024 REACH Scholars and their families at a ceremony in October.

For additional information on REACH, go to the website at www.colquitt.k12.ga.us/departments/student-services/reach-scholars.