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The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Gainesville Campus, in partnership with , hosted an in-person event July 19 as an opportunity for REACH Georgia scholars to visit the campus and receive information about college preparation. The event seeks to expand on the information provided during the Virtual College Information Day event earlier this year and provide additional information and support for parents of REACH Georgia scholars.

"We hope that attendees at this event gained important information about preparing for college and valuable insight into the successful transition from high school to college," Jennifer Herring, special assistant to the vice president of Regional Campuses, said. "We aim to equip students and their parents with information that will help with the transition to college and provide parents with important tips on supporting their students in college."

REACH Georgia is the state's first needs-based mentorship and college scholarship program, launched in 2012 as a key component of the state's Complete College Georgia Initiative. REACH Georgia scholars are eighth-grade through 12th-grade students who demonstrate a financial need and are enrolled in a REACH Georgia school system.

The event included multiple sessions for students and parents with opportunities to interact with various groups, organizations and departments at UNG. Lunch was also provided.

"This event also allowed students and parents to tour a college campus, which is something many may not have done yet," Herring said.

The event also provided students with a financial aid and scholarship resources workshop and a "How to successfully transition from high school to college" session led by Dr. Alyson Paul, associate vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students. Lunch was also provided.

Students like Journey Render, a junior at Barrow Arts and Science Academy in Winder, Georgia, were able to explore the academic opportunities the Gainesville Campus offers and picture themselves making the necessary steps toward their careers.

"They really went into detail on what college would be like, sharing about their great nursing program that I'm interested in," Render said. "My favorite part, though, was seeing the flags from the different countries where Â鶹ÊÓƵ×îÐÂ×îÈ«students come from in the Student Center on our tour. The diversity is something I really look forward to in a college experience."

REACH Georgia launched under Gov. Nathan Deal with an initial investment of $250,000 from AT&T. This needs-based scholarship and mentorship program is now in all 180 public school systems in Georgia, serving over 3,000 economically disadvantaged, first-generation students.