The first group of Achieve Atlanta scholars graduated from the University of Georgia this spring, showcasing the success of the collaboration between UGA and the nonprofit organization Achieve Atlanta.
This collaboration, managed by UGA’s Office for Student Success and Achievement, aims to assist students from Atlanta Public Schools in gaining access to, funding, and completing higher education. Currently, there are 50 Achieve Atlanta scholars enrolled at UGA, benefiting from academic coaching, peer mentoring, and retention initiatives designed to create a nurturing community and encourage academic success.
A celebratory farewell event on April 22 acknowledged the accomplishments of the 12 Achieve Atlanta students who earned their UGA undergraduate degrees.
“UGA’s relationship with Achieve Atlanta has given rise to nothing less than a second home for Atlanta students on UGA’s campus,” said Rashawn Mckelvey-Fludd, an Achieve Atlanta peer mentor and advertising major. “The support, programs, and mentoring that Achieve Atlanta offers have enabled Atlanta students to form community ties and connect with others who share similar backgrounds. This collaboration has transformed my understanding of what it means to be a Georgia Bulldog.”
The honorees at the farewell event are pursuing diverse paths following graduation. Latrell Gist (psychology) intends to attend the Meharry School of Medicine, while Mckelvey-Fludd will join the Atlanta Housing Authority. Annaya Seniors (cognitive science) is heading to law school and will serve as a college advisor for Atlanta Public Schools, and Brenda Thornton (computer systems engineering) has received a full-time position at Boeing.
“It was delightful to come together to honor the achievements of our senior Achieve Atlanta scholars,” stated Elizabeth Potts, coordinator of academic coaching and retention at OSSA. “This event was a chance to reflect on the development of the partnership between Achieve Atlanta and UGA and the influence this collaboration has had in building a supportive environment for our Achieve Atlanta scholars.”
This partnership is bolstered by several other UGA offices including the Office of Instruction, Office of Student Financial Aid, Office of the Registrar, Office of Institutional Research, and the Career Center.
“Our partnership with the University of Georgia has been crucial in nurturing a community of excellence, ensuring that scholars from Atlanta Public Schools have a path to upward mobility,” said Achieve Atlanta President/Executive Director Cheryl Watson-Harris. “We cherished the opportunity to celebrate these remarkable graduates at the Senior Send-Off event.”
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