Atlanta, Georgia, July 31, 2025
News Summary
In a significant move, nearly 15,300 families in Georgia have applied for the Georgia Promise Scholarship, designed to assist students in underperforming schools. The scholarship provides $6,500 per school year, with eligibility focusing on students from schools ranking in the bottom quarter of academic performance. As of July, about 8,600 students are considered eligible, with the majority planning to use the funds for private schooling. The initiative, part of a broader school choice movement, has sparked discussions about its implications for public education funding.
Atlanta, Georgia – Nearly 15,300 families in Georgia have taken the initiative to apply for the new Georgia Promise Scholarship designed to help students in underperforming schools, ahead of the upcoming school year. The scholarship provides families with $6,500 per school year, distributed in four quarterly installments of $1,625.
As of July 22, about 8,600 students have been recognized as eligible for the Promise Scholarship program. Eligibility requirements stipulate that students must attend schools that rank in the bottom quarter of academic performance across the state, affecting approximately 500 schools. Of the eligible recipients, around 64% have indicated plans to utilize the funds for approved private schools, while 16% anticipate using it for home study programs. 14% of the qualifying students intend to spend their scholarship on tutoring services or educational programs, with about 6% still undecided on how to allocate the funds.
The majority of eligible students come from lower-income households, with 75% falling below 400% of the federal poverty level. For context, the federal poverty level for a family of four is $32,150, meaning families participating in this program earn below $128,600. Notably, about one third of the scholarship recipients for the upcoming school year are kindergarteners.
For the academic year 2025-2026, the Georgia Promise Scholarship program has received approval from over 360 private schools and 350 educational service providers. Families looking to enroll in the program must reapply again in September and December to remain eligible for the spring 2026 semester.
The Georgia Student Finance Commission oversees a total budget of up to $141 million for the scholarship initiative. This effort is part of a wider push for school choice championed by Republican lawmakers, though some public school advocates have expressed concerns that the funding may divert essential resources from public education.
The implementation of the Georgia Promise Scholarship reflects an ongoing trend toward increasing educational options for families across the state. With the current demand for the scholarship, stakeholders are observing its impact on both private educational institutions and public schools facing potential funding challenges.
FAQ Section
What is the Georgia Promise Scholarship?
The Georgia Promise Scholarship provides families with $6,500 per school year to assist students attending underperforming schools, aimed at expanding educational opportunities.
Who is eligible for the scholarship?
Students attending schools in the bottom quarter of academic performance in Georgia are eligible. Most recipients come from households that earn below 400% of the federal poverty level.
How will the scholarship funds be distributed?
Funds will be paid out quarterly, with each installment amounting to $1,625. Scholarships will be distributed in July, October, January, and April.
How do families apply for the scholarship?
Families must submit applications for the scholarship, with reapplying required in September and December to maintain eligibility for the following semester.
What is the budget for the scholarship program?
The Georgia Student Finance Commission manages a budget of up to $141 million for the scholarship initiative.
Key Features of the Georgia Promise Scholarship Program
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Applications | 15,300 families applied |
| Eligible Students | Approximately 8,600 students |
| Annual Scholarship Amount | $6,500 |
| Distribution Schedule | Quarterly (July, October, January, April) |
| Household Income Limit | Beneath 400% of federal poverty level |
| Number of Schools Involved | Over 500 schools |
| Enrollment in Private Schools | 64% of eligible students |
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Additional Resources
- WSB TV: Georgia Promise Vouchers
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Georgia Promise Scholarship
- Discover Dade: Dade County Students Approved for Scholarship
- 13 WMAZ: GA Promise Marketplace
- Wikipedia: School Choice
- Google Search: Georgia Promise Scholarship
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education in the United States
- Google News: Georgia Promise Scholarship
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