During the REACH signing ceremonies, held at Bryan County Middle High School and Richmond Hill Middle School, 8th grade REACH Scholars and their families signed contracts to maintain a grade point average, maintain good attendance, and meet with their academic coaches while remaining crime, drug, and behavior issue free. 

2022 Bryan County Schools REACH scholars include Destiny Carr and Darius Edwards Jr. from Bryan County Middle School, and Elvis Canjay-Palma and Amya Osorio from Richmond Hill Middle School.

Parents and guardians were also in attendance and signed contracts to support these efforts and community members, REACH Coordinators, volunteer mentors and academic coaches who commit their time and energy to helping these students achieve educational success.

Initiated in 2012, REACH Georgia is a needs-based mentoring and scholarship program designed to ensure that the state’s academically promising students have the academic, social, and financial support needed to graduate from high school and complete college. Bryan County Schools is among the group of 20 school systems that joined the program in 2019. The Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) holds the scholarships for scholars until they graduate from high school.

With the upholding of the contract’s requirements, each REACH scholar will receive a $10,000 scholarship upon graduating high school. Many colleges and universities have also agreed to additional financial assistance for REACH scholars who enroll in their institution. All funds raised for REACH Georgia locally will go to future recipients.

“The state of Georgia funds a portion of the scholarships but the remaining funds must be raised by the district. The employees of Bryan County Schools are committed to our REACH Scholars and have raised over $11,000.00 to fund the remaining portion of the scholarships. Our organization believes in our students and the REACH program.” Stated Dr. Paul T. Brooksher, Superintendent, Bryan County Schools.