REACH Georgia Program Expands Opportunities for PCCSS Students

REACH Georgia is a statewide, needs‑based mentoring and scholarship program designed to help promising students graduate from high school and succeed in college.

Putnam County Charter School System (PCCSS) has proudly participated in the REACH program since 2016, supporting local students through mentoring, academic coaching, and college‑readiness guidance. During these years, the Putnam Education Foundation has served as a dedicated funding partner.

PCCSS students begin their REACH journey with a rigorous application process at the beginning of their 8th grade year, culminating in a signing day ceremony held in November for the selected students. Each REACH Scholar is paired with a mentor who offers encouragement and real‑world advice while monitoring students’ progress, helping students set goals, and connecting them with needed supports. Scholars commit to maintaining strong grades, good attendance, positive behavior, and regular meetings with their mentor.

In addition to the monthly time mentors spend one-on-one with mentees, all REACH scholars and mentors meet together in a collaborative space once per semester. During these events, the participants share a meal, support each other in their journeys, and have a chance to meet with program administrators at the school and district level. 

REACH scholars who complete program requirements and graduate with at least a 2.5 GPA earn a college scholarship of up to $10,000 to use at any HOPE‑eligible institution in Georgia.

What began as a five‑district pilot in 2012 now serves all 180 Georgia school systems and more than 4,000 students statewide. REACH is administered by the Georgia Student Finance Authority and funded through state appropriations, private donations, and contributions from local communities, including long‑standing partners like the Putnam Education Foundation.

The REACH Georgia Program has been a life‑changing opportunity for our students, and ongoing support from the Putnam Education Foundation has made all the difference. Their commitment has helped open doors, boosted confidence, and reminded our scholars that their dreams are worth pursuing. We are deeply thankful for their dedication to empowering the young people of Putnam County Charter School System.
— Dr. Monconia Browner, PCMS Counselor and REACH program administrator

Your support of Putnam Education Foundation strengthens opportunities such as REACH that will shape tomorrow’s graduates. All gifts made in 2026 will be recognized as part of our Founders’ Campaign, honoring the community members who are helping re-launch the Foundation and begin a new chapter for PCCSS students.  We invite you to make your tax-deductible gift today.