Georgia § 20-3-497 - Establishment of REACH scholarship; student requirements.

§ 20-3-497. Establishment of REACH scholarship; student requirements.

The Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen (REACH) Scholarship Program is hereby established. The scholarship program shall provide scholarships and support to eligible students who meet the following requirements: Be a United States citizen or an eligible noncitizen for 12 consecutive months prior to the first day of classes of the spring term of the student's seventh grade school year; Be enrolled in a REACH participating school system; Qualify for the federal free or reduced lunch program; Not have had more than two in-school suspensions during the two semesters or four quarters immediately preceding the spring term of the student's seventh grade year; Not have any criminal or drug-related convictions; Not have more than five days of unexcused absences during any of the student's middle school calendar years; Have his or her parents or guardians complete and submit a release of information form, as part of the application process, authorizing the school to provide the authority information related to the student's participation in the program; and Demonstrate academic promise, as defined by the authority, taking into consideration grades, attendance, and behavior. (Code 1981, § 20-3-497 , enacted by Ga. L. 2019, p. 675, § 2/SB 83.)