51³Ô¹ÏÍø

51³Ô¹ÏÍø hosts virtual REACH Day

February 15, 2024
51³Ô¹ÏÍø hosted a REACH Day that allowed students in eighth through 12th grade to explore navigating secondary education and receive information about college preparation in a virtual event. Photo By: Brook Cagle

Article By: Agnes Hina

The University of North Georgia (51³Ô¹ÏÍø), in partnership with , hosted the fourth annual Virtual College Information Day event Jan. 30 as an opportunity for over 200 attendees from 25 school districts across the state of Georgia to better prepare for college. REACH Georgia provides support and scholarship opportunities in exchange for certain academic commitments from students starting in eighth grade in participating school districts.

The half-day event began with a student panel called "What I Wish I Had Known Before College."

The students in eighth through 12th grade were able to hear from five current 51³Ô¹ÏÍø students including junior Christopher Hale, who is pursuing a degree in film and digital media and is the vice president of the Gainesville Campus Student Government Association.

"The advice I gave them was to not let age be the determining factor for what they want to do with their degree. As I always say, 'If you're good enough, you're old enough,'" the Gainesville, Georgia, native said. "It's important to not be so set on making a living for your entire existence that you end up forgetting to make a life. Never chase titles. Go for passion."

The panel was followed by a workshop led by Academic Advising, Student Success and Student Accessibility Services, which was focused on preparing students for "Navigating Your Freshman Year." Other sessions included "Paying for College," led by Financial Aid; “Professors Are People Too," featuring 51³Ô¹ÏÍø faculty; and a dedicated Georgia Student Finance Commission discussion.

Dr. Alyson Paul, a four-time REACH Georgia mentor and 51³Ô¹ÏÍø interim vice president for Student Affairs, shared that this event helps highlight the values of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.

"Being able to host the REACH Georgia event allows 51³Ô¹ÏÍø to demonstrate its commitment to providing access and ongoing support for students who may have not considered college as an option," Paul said. "Familiarizing students and their high school counselors with the terminology, timelines and opportunities on a college campus can reduce both perceived and real barriers for attending college."

Being able to host the REACH Georgia event allows 51³Ô¹ÏÍø to demonstrate its commitment to providing access and ongoing support for students who may have not considered college as an option.

Dr. Alyson Paul

51³Ô¹ÏÍø interim vice president for Student Affairs

The achievement of the event has also been noticed by the partners.

"We have seen first-hand the success of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's efforts to communicate with REACH students as a cohort statewide. Most importantly, this experience can help students make informed decisions about how they will proceed with their educational journey at the postsecondary level," Justin Gargala, REACH Georgia executive director, said.

An in-person REACH Day is set for April 16 at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's Dahlonega Campus.


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