Georgia Southern University President Brooks Keel 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,” said Keel.

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 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.

“Governor Deal’s REACH Scholarship program is a great step forward in investing in the future prosperity of Georgia and its citizens,” added Keel. “Chancellor Huckaby and the entire Board of Regents have been committed to finding ways not only to keep college affordable, but also to ensure that achieving a college education can be made available to those who are committed to making good grades and good decisions.”

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.