Next week, several Liberty County students will pledge to attain their academic goals through the Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen (REACH) scholarship program.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal launched REACH in 2012. This needs-based scholarship program begins in 8th grade. REACH scholars are paired with a mentor and an academic coach through high school. Scholars must maintain good grades (a 2.5 GPA in core courses), behavior and attendance through middle and high school. 

Scholars who successfully complete the program and graduate from high school are awarded a $10,000 scholarship that can be used at any HOPE-eligible institution in Georgia. Many colleges are matching or double-matching this scholarship. The scholarship is in addition to any other grant or scholarship the student receives. 

The Liberty County School System currently has nine REACH scholars in ninth through 11th grade. Due to local fundraising efforts, three additional REACH scholars from the current 8th graders in the school system will be awarded $10,000 scholarships and join the 2018-2019 cohort of REACH scholars in Georgia.

LCSS will hold its annual REACH Signing Day Thursday, Oct. 25, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Liberty County Performing Arts Center. 

The three new LCSS REACH scholars and their parents will sign contracts on this date, committing to satisfying the program requirements and graduating from high school. Al Wright, a Gulfstream Community Investment Consultant, is this year’s guest speaker.

For more information, contact Melaniann Pass at mpass@liberty.k12.ga.us or 912-368-2053.