Rockdale County Public Schools’ 8th grade students chosen for $10K REACH GA Scholarships

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Four more Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) eighth grade students embarked on a life-changing journey as the district’s newest cohort of REACH Georgia scholars.

The students are: Tahii Lindsay of G.L. Edwards Middle School, Isaac Sneed of Gen. Ray Davis Middle School, Elisheba Sylvestre of Memorial Middle School, Emerson Uchechi of Gen. Ray Davis Middle School. Each student will receive a $10,000 scholarship upon completion of the REACH Georgia program and high school graduation.

These REACH Georgia scholars and their families were recognized during the Rockdale County Board of Education meeting held January 16, 2025. In addition to RCPS Superintendent Terry Oatts and school board members, RCPS Foundation board members, school leaders, counselors and academic coaches and family members attended in a show of community support.

The program and scholarships are made possible by support from the RCPS Foundation, which takes the lead in fundraising for the program, and the Georgia Student Finance Commission. In addition, Truist Bank made a significant donation and will be providing a financial literacy training program designed specifically for RCPS REACH scholars

This is the eighth cohort of the REACH Georgia program in RCPS. REACH Georgia Scholars are selected based on grades, behavior, and recommendations.

“I am thrilled that our students have this opportunity and the community support that makes this possible,” said April Fallon, RCPS Director of Community and Student Support and RCPS REACH Georgia Coordinator. “REACH is a strategic investment in our students and our state, opening doors for youth who may not have the opportunity to seek post-secondary education due to financial constraints. The on-going support of the RCPS Foundation and the engagement of our business partners and community are game changers in the lives of these students.”

Beginning in the eighth grade and through high school, REACH Scholars are paired with a mentor and an academic coach. Scholars must maintain good grades, behavior and attendance. Scholars who successfully complete the program and graduate from high school are awarded a $10,000 scholarship that can be used at any university or college in the University System of Georgia, Technical College System of Georgia, or eligible private post-secondary institution. The scholarship is in addition to any other grant or scholarship the student receives.

The mission of REACH, which stands for “Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen,” is to ensure that Georgia’s academically promising students have the academic, social, and financial support needed to graduate from high school and college ready for a successful career.

For more information, contact April Fallon at afallon@rockdale.k12.ga.us or visit the RCPS Foundation website at rcpsfoundation.com or the REACH Georgia website at reachga.org.