Atlanta, February 18, 2026
Georgia State University is playing a pivotal role in shaping Atlanta’s economic landscape through innovative scholarship programs and support initiatives for students. By investing in education and fostering talent, the university is helping to create a skilled workforce that meets the demands of a dynamic economy. Programs like the Yardi Scholarship and the National Institute for Student Success illustrate the commitment to empowering first-generation students and removing barriers to education, ultimately benefiting the region’s overall prosperity.
Atlanta
Atlanta’s Academic Engines Fuel Economic Future
Georgia State University’s strategic initiatives in scholarships and student support are cultivating a new generation of skilled professionals and entrepreneurs, significantly contributing to Atlanta’s dynamic economy and broader regional prosperity.
Atlanta continues to thrive as a hub of innovation and opportunity, a testament to the collaborative spirit of its institutions and the determination of its citizens. A key driver of this economic growth is the robust educational infrastructure that prepares individuals for success in a competitive marketplace. By investing in talent and fostering an environment of achievement, local universities play an indispensable role in shaping the city’s trajectory.
The commitment to cultivating future leaders is evident in the ongoing efforts to remove barriers to education and empower students to pursue their career aspirations. This dedication not only transforms individual lives through personal achievement but also strengthens the collective economic fabric of the region by ensuring a steady supply of skilled workers and innovative thinkers.
Investing in Atlanta’s Future Workforce Through Scholarships
Scholarships at Georgia State University are instrumental in enabling students to focus on their academic and career goals, fostering personal achievement and contributing to the future workforce of Atlanta. The university offers several prestigious scholarships, including the Stamps and Presidential Scholarships, which are designed for exceptional incoming first-year students. These awards provide crucial financial support, allowing bright minds to concentrate on their studies without undue economic pressure.
A notable example of private investment in education is the Yardi Scholarship. Georgia State University received a grant from Yardi Systems to expand the Yardi Scholars program, which provides significant support to first-generation college students. This initiative is set to award scholarships to 25 students each year, reaching a total of 100 Yardi Scholars over four years, with each recipient receiving $10,000 annually. The Yardi Foundation has committed over $10 million in scholarships and student support over the next four years across 20 colleges and universities nationwide. These scholarships are designed for first-year undergraduate students majoring in a business-related field, with a preference for first-generation students, to help them achieve their academic and career goals. Beyond financial aid, the grant from Yardi Systems will also fund the creation of the Yardi Career Readiness Program, providing supplemental instruction and cohort-based activities to build community and promote academic success.
Nurturing Student Success and Entrepreneurial Innovation
The university’s dedication to student success extends beyond scholarships to comprehensive support systems. The National Institute for Student Success (NISS) at Georgia State University plays a critical role in this ecosystem. Established in 2020, NISS aims to help people achieve their academic and career goals by identifying and resolving institutional barriers to success. The institute has received a $2 million grant from Ascendium Education Group to provide its services to six Georgia colleges and universities, helping them increase enrollments and improve graduation rates across the state’s postsecondary institutions. Furthermore, NISS received a $2 million grant from the Kresge Foundation Education Program to support its implementation phase, and a $2.5 million grant from Ballmer Group to support the design and delivery of an effective dissemination model for its services. To date, NISS has worked with and disseminated its evidence-based practices to more than 80 higher education institutions nationwide.
Beyond traditional academic support, Georgia State University actively fosters entrepreneurial innovation. The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute (ENI), launched in 2016, is a key driver in creating an entrepreneurial mindset among students, faculty, and the broader community. The ENI’s award-winning business accelerator program, the Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund (MSESF), received a $307,500 grant from the Truist Foundation. This grant is dedicated to providing mentorship and seed funding to student and alumni entrepreneurs, helping them start and grow new business ventures, particularly supporting diverse entrepreneurs in the metro Atlanta area. The university offers an MBA and B.B.A. in entrepreneurship, along with an undergraduate minor in entrepreneurship accessible to all students, with over 1,200 students currently enrolled in entrepreneurship-themed majors or minors. Over 470 businesses have benefited from the tools, training, and resources provided by Georgia State’s Small Business Development Center.
Expanding Opportunity for All Panthers
Georgia State University’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities is particularly impactful for first-generation students. Beyond the Yardi Scholarship, the university also expands scholarships for first-generation Panthers through programs like the Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship program, which provides merit-based scholarships and support services to students who are the first in their family to attend college. The John M. Dyer First Generation Finance Scholarship also provides support to first-generation undergraduate students in the Department of Finance within the J. Mack Robinson College of Business. These initiatives highlight a strategic focus on empowering individuals from all backgrounds to achieve their academic and professional aspirations, fostering social mobility and economic participation.
The university’s broad impact is further underscored by events such as Georgia State Day, which in Spring 2025 will celebrate and expand opportunities for its students. Annually, Georgia State awards up to 40 State Farm Scholarships, offering up to $4,000 each year, leadership training, job experience mentoring, and personalized support for Perimeter College students.
A State-Level Perspective on Economic Flexibility
Beyond academic institutions, state-level policies also play a role in shaping the economic landscape. In Georgia, the Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8, operates with a degree of flexibility for property owners. This program, which is federally funded, assists very low-income individuals and families with renting safe, decent, and affordable dwelling units in the private rental market. Importantly, in Georgia, participation in the Housing Choice Voucher Program is optional for rental property owners. Landlords are not legally required to accept these vouchers. This approach allows individual property owners to decide their level of engagement, providing flexibility in the rental housing market across the state.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s trajectory of economic growth is inextricably linked to the vitality of its educational institutions and the entrepreneurial spirit of its people. Georgia State University, through its extensive scholarship programs, dedicated student success initiatives, and robust support for Georgia entrepreneurs, serves as a powerful engine for progress. By fostering personal achievement and creating pathways to success, these efforts contribute directly to a skilled workforce and a vibrant ecosystem for Atlanta small business. The emphasis on private investment and strategic partnerships further highlights a balanced approach to cultivating prosperity.
We encourage all readers to recognize and support the local businesses and educational initiatives that are building a stronger, more dynamic Atlanta. Staying engaged in the city’s economic future is vital for continued prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the economic impact of Georgia State University on the state?
Georgia State University contributed $3.222 billion to Georgia’s economy in fiscal year 2024. The university also supported 21,013 full- and part-time jobs across the state.
What is the Yardi Scholarship?
The Yardi Scholarship is a program at Georgia State University, expanded through a grant from Yardi Systems, to support first-generation college students with scholarships and career readiness. This will award scholarships to 25 students each year, reaching a total of 100 Yardi Scholars over four years, with each student receiving $10,000 annually. The Yardi Foundation has committed over $10 million in scholarships and student support over the next four years across 20 colleges and universities nationwide. The scholarship supports first-year undergraduate students majoring in a business-related field, particularly first-generation students, to help them achieve academic and career goals.
What is the National Institute for Student Success (NISS)?
The National Institute for Student Success (NISS) was established within Georgia State University in 2020 to help people achieve their academic and career goals by identifying and resolving institutional barriers to success. NISS has received a $2 million grant from Ascendium Education Group to provide its services to six Georgia colleges and universities. It also received a $2 million grant from the Kresge Foundation Education Program to support its implementation phase and a $2.5 million grant from Ballmer Group to support the design and delivery of an effective dissemination model for its services. To date, NISS has worked with and disseminated its evidence-based practices to more than 80 higher education institutions nationwide.
How does Georgia State University support entrepreneurship?
Georgia State University fosters entrepreneurial innovation through its Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute (ENI), launched in 2016. The ENI’s business accelerator program, the Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund (MSESF), received a $307,500 grant from the Truist Foundation to provide mentorship and seed funding to student and alumni entrepreneurs, particularly supporting diverse entrepreneurs in the metro Atlanta area. The university offers an MBA and B.B.A. in entrepreneurship, along with an undergraduate minor in entrepreneurship, with over 1,200 students enrolled in entrepreneurship-themed majors or minors. Over 470 businesses have benefited from Georgia State’s Small Business Development Center.
Is the Housing Choice Voucher Program optional for landlords in Georgia?
Yes, in Georgia, the Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly Section 8) is optional for rental property owners. Landlords are not legally required to accept these vouchers. This federally funded program assists very low-income individuals and families with renting safe, decent, and affordable dwelling units in the private rental market.
Key Features of Georgia State University’s Impact on Atlanta’s Economy
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Impact | Contributed $3.222 billion to Georgia’s economy in fiscal year 2024 and supported 21,013 full- and part-time jobs. | State-level |
| Yardi Scholarship Program | Expands support for first-generation business students, awarding 25 scholarships annually ($10,000 each) for four years, totaling 100 Yardi Scholars. The Yardi Foundation has committed over $10 million in scholarships and student support over the next four years. | University-level, Nationwide (Yardi Foundation commitment) |
| National Institute for Student Success (NISS) | Received a $2 million grant from Ascendium Education Group to assist six Georgia colleges and universities. Also received $2 million from the Kresge Foundation and $2.5 million from Ballmer Group. NISS has worked with over 80 higher education institutions. | University-level, State-level (Ascendium grant), Nationwide (Kresge, Ballmer grants, NISS reach) |
| Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute (ENI) | Launched in 2016, fosters entrepreneurial mindset; received a $307,500 grant from Truist Foundation for its Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund. Supports diverse entrepreneurs in metro Atlanta. | University-level, Metro Atlanta |
| Housing Choice Voucher Program (State-level) | Optional for rental property owners in Georgia; landlords are not legally required to accept these federally funded vouchers. | State-level |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Georgia Legislators Pursue Income Tax Reforms
Georgia Secures $600 Million Japanese Investment for Manufacturing
Keep the Hooch Clean: Atlanta Calls for Community Action
Culinary Excellence Blooms North of Atlanta: The James Beard Foundation Weekend at Barnsley Resort
Atlanta’s EchoPark Speedway: A Season of Speed and Progress
Atlanta’s Bloom Ball Gala Supports Foster Children
New Culinary Venture Energizes Downtown Atlanta
Atlanta’s Vinyl Listening Rooms Fuel Economic Growth
Atlanta’s Economic Surge: New Ventures & Innovation
Community-Focused Tree Service Supports Atlanta Homeowners
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
