Reach Scholars

Kingsland, GA – Camden County Schools names the Class of 2029 REACH Georgia Scholars. Eighth grade students Delilah Bell, Journey Williams, Jakayla Parrish, Ivan Dinkins, Amari Perkins and Rodney Calloway have been selected for the $10,000 REACH Georgia Scholarship.

REACH, an acronym for Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen, is the state of Georgia’s first need-based mentorship and college scholarship program. “REACH Georgia identifies students from underserved communities who demonstrate academic persistence and pairs them with the educational, social, and financial support needed to graduate high school and excel in college,” said Justin Gargala, REACH Georgia Executive Director. "REACH  has served every city and county public school system in the state. As of Fall 2024, we have graduated eight high school classes of REACH Georgia Scholars.”

Camden County Schools held a REACH signing ceremony at Camden Middle School on 12/5/24 where students and their parents or legal guardians sign a commitment that the student will meet regularly with their academic coach and community mentor, keep their grades up, and refrain from truancy and disciplinary action. Students who complete the program requirements receive a $10,000 scholarship to be used towards the cost of attendance at 79 HOPE-eligible public and private colleges and universities in Georgia.

These outstanding young scholars were the first cohort of REACH Scholars in Camden County. We applaud this year’s scholars and thank our donors and volunteer mentors for their commitment to the success of Camden County students.

The REACH Georgia Scholarship is 90% funded by the state and 10% funded through private fundraising at the local level. Since the REACH program’s inception in 2012, over 5,000 Georgia students have been identified as REACH Scholars and over $50 million has been committed to their education.

Adults who are interested in becoming a REACH mentor or funding a REACH scholarship may visit gafutures.org/REACH for more information.