Achieve Atlanta combines financial aid and guidance to help local students start and complete education after high school. The scholarship is not open to everyone who lives in Atlanta or Fulton County: its pathways distinguish Atlanta Public Schools graduates from students at eligible Fulton County Schools. For the FCS Class of 2027, applications open February 1; the scholarship profile lists eligible schools and pathway limits.
The FCS route names six schools: Creekside, Global Impact Academy, Langston Hughes, The Promise Career Institute, Tri-Cities, and Westlake. Students must have attended an FCS or APS high school since at least the start of grade 11, graduate from one of those six, and earn a cumulative weighted GPA of 80 in either fall or spring of senior year. The 2027 financial test uses a Student Aid Index from -1,500 to 15,000 on the FAFSA Submission Summary. Students below the GPA threshold can ask about the separate Second Chance route, which requires college credits and a minimum GPA within a defined period.
The amount depends on the education path: $5,000 per year on a four-year route, up to eight terms and $20,000 total; or $1,500 per year in a technical or two-year program, up to four terms and $3,000 total. The award can contribute to cost of attendance under program terms but should not be described as guaranteed full tuition. Achieve Atlanta limits eligible college lists for some certificate and associate programs; check that list before enrolling to avoid losing eligibility at an excluded institution.
The 2026–27 FAFSA is part of the process, although Achieve Atlanta says students of any immigration status may contact its team for an alternative financial-aid form. Students must enroll immediately after graduation, in fall and full-time. After applying, they receive a Fall Update to verify their college and enrollment. Renewal then happens each term with the FAFSA Submission Summary, transcript, and schedule; the award is sent directly to the college.
To retain funding, students must maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative college GPA, complete 67% of attempted credits, stay full-time, and continue to demonstrate financial need. The 2027 window closes May 31, and there is no application fee. Do not wait until the end to gather the FAFSA summary or confirm the school. Questions: scholarship@achieveatlanta.org, the Scholar Dashboard help desk, or 404-880-3500, option 2, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET. APS students should use the APS page; do not apply the FCS school list and rules to a different route.
Current FCS Students — Achieve Atlanta.
Current APS Students — Achieve Atlanta.
Information checked against official sources on October 12, 2026. Dates and requirements may change by cohort; the 2026 Coca-Cola and Gates application windows have closed.
Check your school and cohort first, then complete FAFSA and the free application by May 31, 2027.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Achieve Atlanta Scholarship
For eligible graduates of six high schools named by Achieve Atlanta: Creekside, Global Impact Academy, Langston Hughes, The Promise Career Institute, Tri-Cities, and Westlake. Requires local school history, an 80 weighted GPA, financial need measured by SAI -1,500 to 15,000, and immediate full-time enrollment. $5,000 yearly on a four-year path (up to $20,000) or $1,500 yearly on a two-year/technical path (up to $3,000).
Need-based scholarship and college support for students at selected Atlanta and Fulton County schools
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Achieve Atlanta · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Achieve Atlanta · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Achieve Atlanta · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Achieve Atlanta Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Achieve Atlanta · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Achieve Atlanta Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Achieve Atlanta · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.