The inaugural cohort of Achieve Atlanta scholars graduated from the University of Georgia this spring, highlighting the success of the partnership between UGA and nonprofit organization Achieve Atlanta

The partnership, coordinated by UGA’s Office for Student Success and Achievement, aims to support students from Atlanta Public Schools in accessing, affording and completing postsecondary education. There are currently 50 Achieve Atlanta scholars enrolled at UGA, and they benefit from academic coaching, peer mentoring and retention programs designed to foster a supportive community and promote academic achievement.

A celebratory send-off event on April 22 honored the achievements of the 12 Achieve Atlanta students who completed their UGA undergraduate degrees.

“UGA’s partnership with Achieve Atlanta has created nothing short of a second Atlanta home on UGA’s campus,” said Rashawn Mckelvey-Fludd, an Achieve Atlanta peer mentor and advertising major. “The guidance, programs and mentorship Achieve Atlanta provides have allowed Atlanta students to build community and connect with people who share similar experiences. This partnership has reshaped my perception of what it means to be a Georgia Bulldog.”

The students recognized at the send-off event are pursuing a wide range of paths after graduation. Latrell Gist (psychology) plans to attend the Meharry School of Medicine, and Mckelvey-Fludd will work for the Atlanta Housing Authority. Annaya Seniors (cognitive science) is attending law school and will work as a college advisor f or Atlanta Public Schools, and Brenda Thornton (computer systems engineering), received a full-time offer to work at Boeing.

“It was wonderful to gather to celebrate the accomplishments of our senior Achieve Atlanta scholars,” said Elizabeth Potts, coordinator of academic coaching and retention at OSSA. “It was an opportunity to reflect on the growth of the partnership between Achieve Atlanta and UGA and the impact this partnership has had on building a supportive community for our Achieve Atlanta scholars.”

The partnership is supported by several other UGA offices including the Office of Instruction, Office of Student Financial Aid, Office of the Registrar, Office of Institutional Research and the Career Center.

“Our partnership with the University of Georgia has played a pivotal role in fostering a community of excellence, ensuring that scholars from Atlanta Public Schools are on a pathway to upward mobility,” said Achieve Atlanta President/Executive Director Cheryl Watson-Harris. “We enjoyed celebrating these incredible graduates at the Senior Send-Off event.”