Four eighth-grade students from Bulloch County have been named the newest REACH Georgia Scholars, earning $10,000 college scholarships as part of a state initiative aimed at making higher education accessible to students from lower-income families.
The REACH Georgia program is making waves in Bulloch County once again. Four exceptional middle school students from the area have recently been awarded $10,000 college scholarships as part of the state initiative, which helps students from low-income backgrounds attend and graduate from college. This marks a significant milestone for the REACH Georgia program, which has now helped 62 local youth pursue higher education.
On December 12, a special signing ceremony was held at the Bulloch County Schools, where the newest recipients—Charlee Hernandez-Hernandez, Zakary Knight, Jemiah Leysath-Ellis, and Charles “Trip” Lee III—were celebrated for their hard work and dedication. These students, all in the eighth grade, were selected from 12 finalists who met strict academic and behavioral requirements, alongside successfully passing interviews with a panel of district and community volunteers.
A New Generation of Scholars
The REACH Georgia program, which has been part of Bulloch County Schools since 2013, focuses on empowering students who face financial challenges and helping them navigate the path to college. Each of the four students has their own set of career aspirations. Charlee Hernandez-Hernandez and Zakary Knight have shown a keen interest in engineering, while Charles “Trip” Lee III hopes to become a psychologist. Jemiah Leysath-Ellis dreams of becoming a teacher, showing the diverse range of career goals that the program supports.
At the ceremony, which included a reception hosted by both Bulloch County Schools and the Bulloch County Foundation for Public Education, each scholar signed their commitment to the program. The Foundation, which also helps provide the seed funding for these scholarships, has been integral in ensuring the continuation of the REACH Georgia program in the community.
What It Takes to Be a REACH Scholar
The selection process for the REACH Georgia Scholars is rigorous, ensuring that only students who show promise in both academic and personal conduct are chosen. Each year, the district conducts a thorough review of applications and interviews before selecting a group of eighth-grade students. The eligibility criteria include:
- Students must be in the eighth grade at a participating Georgia middle school.
- They must show financial need and be U.S. citizens or legal residents.
- Students must maintain a grade of 75 or higher in all core classes (equivalent to a 2.5 GPA).
- A strong record of good attendance and behavior is essential.
- The program also requires students to remain drug- and crime-free and to have the support of a parent, guardian, or adult mentor.
Once selected, these students are paired with mentors and graduation coaches, providing them with the social and academic support necessary for success in high school and college.
The REACH Program’s Local Impact
Bulloch County has played a crucial role in the success of the REACH Georgia program. It was one of five school districts chosen to pilot the program back in 2013, and since then, the program has seen impressive results. To date, 62 local students have benefited from the initiative, totaling over $620,000 in scholarships that have helped young people pursue their college dreams.
The local impact is undeniable. Three groups of Bulloch County REACH scholars graduated from college in 2022 alone. Many of these graduates have either returned to their community or begun their careers locally, underscoring the long-term benefits of investing in students’ futures. The program not only provides financial assistance but also creates a supportive environment that encourages students to stay focused and driven.
How the Community Can Help
While the program continues to thrive, community involvement remains essential. The Bulloch County Foundation for Public Education is the local sponsor of the REACH Georgia program, contributing $1,500 per student each year to ensure the scholarships can be funded. The Foundation relies on community donations and corporate sponsorships to keep the program alive.
Residents can contribute by donating to the Foundation or by participating in local fundraisers, such as the Statesboro 5K Turkey Trot. Donations to the Foundation are tax-deductible, making it easy for community members to support the next generation of scholars.
| Program Contribution | Amount Per Scholar |
|---|---|
| Foundation Donation | $1,500 per year |
| Total Scholarship | $10,000 |
The REACH Georgia program is transforming lives in Bulloch County. With the support of local families, businesses, and the Foundation, this initiative ensures that more students are not only dreaming of college but also achieving it. These four new scholars are proof that with the right resources and guidance, any student can overcome financial obstacles and pursue higher education.
