Atlanta, GA, September 1, 2025
News Summary
The University System of Georgia has introduced the DREAMS Scholarship, providing financial support up to $3,000 annually for eligible undergraduate students. This initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens and enhance access to education in Georgia. The scholarship complements the existing HOPE Scholarship, empowering students to cover critical college expenses. By promoting part-time work and financial literacy, the program fosters responsibility while potentially expanding to include Technical College System students in the future.
New Opportunities for Students with DREAMS Scholarship in Georgia
Atlanta, GA – The University System of Georgia (USG) Foundation recently celebrated an incredible milestone during its 21st annual Regents’ Scholarship Gala. This exciting event raised over $4.5 million aimed at expanding need-based scholarships for students throughout Georgia. The funds collected at the gala will play a crucial role in bridging the financial aid gaps that often hinder students from pursuing their educational dreams.
Introducing the DREAMS Scholarship
As a part of the gala’s activities, the USG proudly launched the new DREAMS Scholarship, a significant initiative designed to support students facing financial hardships. The debut award went to Giuli Capparelli Sanabria, a dedicated junior studying biology at Georgia Tech. This scholarship is tailored specifically to complement the existing HOPE Scholarship, which primarily covers tuition based on student merit.
What’s particularly exciting about the DREAMS Scholarship is that eligible undergraduate students can receive up to $3,000 each year. This funding is versatile, enabling students to use it for essential college expenses such as tuition, housing, food, and even books. This added financial support is vital, especially when research indicates that more than 50% of college students worldwide struggle to find $500 during emergencies.
Strengthening Financial Stability
The USG Chancellor emphasized that the DREAMS Scholarship not only aids students financially but also enhances the talent pipeline in Georgia, ensuring that everyone has access to higher education. Moreover, students who experience fewer financial setbacks are statistically three and a half times more likely to graduate than those facing significant financial challenges.
To promote student responsibility, the scholarship program encourages students to engage in part-time employment or volunteer services while pursuing their studies. Additionally, it offers essential financial literacy education, helping students manage their finances effectively as they navigate their academic journeys.
Looking to the Future
In an exciting turn of events, the DREAMS Scholarship may eventually extend its offerings to students enrolled in the Technical College System of Georgia, further broadening the reach of this wonderful initiative.
A Night of Recognition
The gala also recognized the service of many individuals dedicated to the USG community. Notably, Don Waters, the former Chairman of the Board of Regents, was honored with the Elridge McMillan Lifetime Achievement Award for his exceptional commitment. The evening featured awards for distinguished alumni and faculty, celebrating their contributions to teaching and student success.
Over the past twenty years, the USG Foundation has made a tremendous impact on the lives of students, awarding over $16 million and supporting more than 16,000 students. In a remarkable show of generosity, donors set a record in fiscal year 2024 by raising $7.9 million for the foundation.
FAQ Section
What is the DREAMS Scholarship?
The DREAMS Scholarship is a financial aid program designed to assist undergraduate students facing financial needs. It complements the HOPE Scholarship and provides up to $3,000 annually to help cover college-related expenses.
Who was the first recipient of the DREAMS Scholarship?
The inaugural DREAMS Scholarship was awarded to Giuli Capparelli Sanabria, a junior majoring in biology at Georgia Tech.
How can students use the funds from the DREAMS Scholarship?
Students can use the funds for essential college expenses, which include tuition, housing, food, and books.
What other support does the DREAMS Scholarship offer?
The scholarship program encourages part-time employment or volunteer service and includes financial literacy education to help students manage their finances.
Key Features of the DREAMS Scholarship
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Amount | Up to $3,000 annually |
| Eligibility | Undergraduate students with financial needs |
| Use of Funds | Tuition, housing, food, books |
| Additional Support | Part-time employment, volunteer service, financial literacy education |
| Future Expansion | Possible inclusion of Technical College System of Georgia students |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Georgia Lawmakers Discuss Need-Based Scholarships to Address College Costs
University System of Georgia Foundation Fundraising Triumph
Liberty County Launches Scholarship Fund for Students
Atlanta Launches New Initiative to Support Student-Athletes
Core Dance Celebrates 45th Season with ‘Constructing Dance’ Festival
Additional Resources
- Grice Connect
- Wikipedia: Scholarship
- Augusta Chronicle
- Google Search: Georgia college scholarship
- Now Habersham
- Google Scholar: financial aid
- WSB TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: financial literacy
- Union Recorder
- Google News: University System of Georgia scholarship
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