REACH for Southern Scholars Program
“REACH Georgia is a need-based mentoring and scholarship program providing promising students the support to graduate from high school and achieve postsecondary success.”
— GA Futures
About REACH for Southern
REACH is a college access scholarship initiative founded by the Georgia Student Finance Authority (GSFA). This program aims to influence the postsecondary success, and ultimately life outcomes, of low-income students across Georgia.
REACH for Southern is Georgia Southern’s commitment to supporting REACH Scholars through four pillars of support designed to help you succeed. Managed by the Office of Inclusive Excellence, our main goal is to help students adjust and successfully navigate campus through academic support, mentorship opportunities, community building, and career and professional preparation.
Pillars
Academic Support
Benefit from personalized academic workshops tailored events to enhance your study strategies, improve performance, and achieve your academic objectives.
Mentorship Opportunities
As a REACH Scholar, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with mentors through various university programs. These mentors serve as role models, offering valuable advice, guidance, and support for both your education and personal growth.
Community Building and Networking
Engage in a dynamic community of fellow REACH Scholars and the broader Georgia Southern community. Participate in events and activities designed to help you build strong connections with peers, faculty, and community leaders. These relationships will foster collaboration, personal growth, and open doors to new opportunities, both socially and professionally.
Career and Professional Preparation
Prepare for your future career with resources and guidance tailored to your professional goals. Through career development workshops, internships, and networking opportunities with industry professionals, you’ll gain the skills and experience needed to confidently navigate the workforce and achieve your career ambitions.
Financial Support
Georgia Southern provides a renewable scholarship of $2,500 to roughly 25 incoming Reach Georgia Scholars annually. However, the Office of Inclusive Excellence aims to support all Reach Georgia Scholars through co-curricular activities that enhance their academic, financial, and community building skills.
REACH for Southern Program Team
| Name and Position | Email Address |
 Jazzkia M. Jones, M.Ed. Director, Office of Inclusive Excellence | jazzkiajones@georgiasouthern.edu |
 Lauren Draughorne Coordinator, Office of Inclusive Excellence | ldraughorne@georgiasouthern.edu |
 Promise Oti-Okardie Graduate Assistant, President Student Advisory Committee (PSAC) & Georgia REACH Scholars Program | oie@georgiasouthern.edu |
Upcoming Events and Meetings
| Engagement Activities | Date & Time (Savannah) | Date & Time (Statesboro) | Registration Links |
| Unlock Your Potential: Goal Setting & Time Management Tips | 1/27/25 | 1/29/25 | Click Here |
| Trivia Night | 2/3/25 | 2/3/25 | Click Here |
| Mock Interview & Networking Event | 3/26/25 | 3/27/25 | Click Here |
| Paint Your Path | 4/15/25 | 4/16/25 | Click Here |
Additional Information
For more resources and support, please visit the following offices:
Office of Career and Professional Development: Find guidance on career planning, job search strategies, and more.
Office of Human Resources: Access information on employee benefits, workplace policies, and HR support.
Academic Success Center: Get help with tutoring, study skills, and academic advising to enhance your learning experience.
Office of Financial Aid: Learn about financial aid options, scholarships, and assistance with managing your educational expenses.
Minority Advisement Program (MAP): Engage in peer-to-peer mentoring that helps students transition into Georgia Southern University. Hosted through the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Intercultural Mentor Program: Engage in peer mentoring that provides opportunities for students from different countries to organically connect and learn from each other. Hosted through the Office of International Student Admissions and Programs.
Eagle Mentoring Program: Engage with alumni and industry professionals.
Last updated: 2/3/2025