Section 20-3-497 - Establishment of REACH scholarship; student requirementsThe 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:
(1) 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;(2) Be enrolled in a REACH participating school system;(3) Qualify for the federal free or reduced lunch program or be a victim of human trafficking;(4) 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;(5) Not have any criminal or drug-related convictions;(6) Not have more than five days of unexcused absences during any of the student's middle school calendar years;(7) 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(8) Demonstrate academic promise, as defined by the authority, taking into consideration grades, attendance, and behavior.Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 553,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2024.Added by 2019 Ga. Laws 229,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2019.