REACH Georgia differs from a scholarship open to any student who has already graduated high school. Seventh graders with financial need and academic promise are identified in participating school systems; districts nominate and select them as eighth-grade scholars. The program combines financial aid with an academic coach, community mentor, and high-school support. A family’s first step is not a college FAFSA but asking whether its school system and middle school participate.
Requirements include citizenship or eligible status, demonstrated financial need—such as SNAP/TANF, foster-care, homelessness/migrant status, or federal low-income criteria—and expectations for conduct, attendance, and academic promise. Selection also considers recommendations and an interview. Once chosen, students commit to GPA, attendance, program activities, and regular meetings with a mentor and coach. The early start is designed to sustain preparation, not simply deliver a payment at graduation.
Scholars who complete the program can receive up to $10,000, with a maximum of $2,500 per academic year, to attend a HOPE-eligible institution in Georgia. FAFSA is required annually, and students must be full time when the award pays; aid cannot exceed cost of attendance or the program’s time limit. The scholarship can end if a student loses renewal eligibility at required checkpoints or reaches the post-graduation expiration date.
Scholars who complete the program can receive up to $10,000, with a maximum of $2,500 per academic year, to attend a HOPE-eligible institution in Georgia. FAFSA is required annually, and students must be full time when the award pays; aid cannot exceed cost of attendance or the program’s time limit. The scholarship can end if a student loses renewal eligibility at required checkpoints or reaches the post-graduation expiration date.
Before applying, confirm that the cycle is open and that you meet the official requirements. Gather FAFSA or the alternative form, transcript, supporting documents, and essays when required; keep a copy and receipt. Track the deadline separately from supporting-document dates. Check the portal until the file is complete and ask financial aid how the award coordinates with other aid. Do not budget money that has not been awarded.
When comparing options, distinguish scholarships, grants, waivers, and loans: not all are repaid or cover the same charges. Ask for a balance estimate after FAFSA and other aid, and confirm the rules before relying on the funds.
Read the program profile and the federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
Become a REACH Scholar — Georgia Student Finance Commission.
REACH Georgia Award Amounts — Georgia Student Finance Commission.
REACH Coordinator Resources 2026–27 — Georgia Student Finance Commission.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Eligibility, amounts, and calendars can change; confirm the current cycle with the administrator and your school financial-aid office. Applying does not guarantee an award.
Confirm current eligibility and application steps with the official source before relying on the aid for college costs.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
REACH Georgia Scholarship Program
REACH Georgia differs from a scholarship open to any student who has already graduated high school. Seventh graders with financial need and academic promise are identified in participating school systems; districts nominate and select them as eighth-grade scholars. The program combines financial aid with an academic coach, community mentor, and high-school support. A family’s first step is not a college FAFSA but asking whether its school system and middle school participate.
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Georgia Student Finance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Georgia Student Finance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Georgia Student Finance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Georgia Student Finance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of REACH Georgia Scholarship Program ↗
Primary source
Georgia Student Finance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of REACH Georgia Scholarship Program ↗
Primary source
Georgia Student Finance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.