REACH Day offers students taste of college

The University of North Georgia (UNG) welcomed more than 250 middle and high school students, teachers and guidance counselors from across the state for REACH Georgia Day on March 25 at UNG's Gainesville Campus.

These students in eighth through 12th grade are part of the REACH Georgia scholarship program, which offers students scholarships if they take steps beginning in eighth grade to prepare for college. It was the state's first need-based mentorship and college scholarship program. Students had a chance to hear from former Gov. Nathan Deal, who founded the program.

"I am so proud of all of you. You have all come a long way," Deal said. "Your schools have seen things in you that will help not just you, but everyone around you."

Laura Vinson became the first REACH Georgia recipient to graduate from UNG when she earned a degree in sociology in 2021. She came back for REACH Georgia Day to share her story and encourage the current REACH Georgia scholars. She reminded students that it's OK to ask mentors for help.

"You don't have to have all the answers," Vinson said.

Jeremy Williams, Gainesville City Schools superintendent and a 2003 UNG alumnus, encouraged students to remember the importance of skills, critical thinking and relationships.

"I was honored to speak with REACH scholars, especially knowing how many districts were represented across Georgia and seeing future leaders in all five cohorts, from the class of 2026 through the class of 2030," Williams said. "UNG did a phenomenal job gaining participants and exposing them to what lies ahead, both academically and professionally."

REACH Georgia Day at UNG evolved from virtual events during the COVID-19 pandemic to in-person events that help students experience a college campus while learning more about how they could one day attend a university.

"We are grateful to the University of North Georgia for continuing to develop meaningful engagement with our REACH scholars. The annual REACH event at UNG is a highlight of the year for so many REACH students and their district coordinators statewide," Justin Gargala, REACH Georgia executive director, said. "By collaborating with our postsecondary partners, we can ensure these scholars receive more than just financial aid opportunities, providing the supports needed to become leaders in their communities as the future workforce of Georgia."

Lanier Technical College served as a partner with UNG for REACH Georgia Day.

"We were very proud to be a partner in REACH Georgia Day. Of our total annual student enrollment, Lanier Tech's First-Generation enrollment averages 45-plus percent. With individual economic prosperity being directly connected to higher education, the REACH program has a profound effect on many Georgia citizens," Lanier Technical College President Tim McDonald said. "On behalf of Lanier Tech, I send my gratitude to the University of North Georgia for allowing us to contribute to this year's very inspiring REACH Georgia Day."

Renee McCannon, Madison County Schools graduation coach, said REACH Georgia Day provided a convenient avenue to bring students to UNG.

"Being on a campus helps them understand how big it is. It also emphasizes the importance of them earning the REACH and HOPE scholarships," McCannon said. "It reinforces things that they hear over and over in their academic coaching sessions. To hear it at the college level, it really hits home."