GA Tech Commits to Help More Low-Income Students

Patch Staff Report

Georgia Tech President Bud Peterson joined other leaders in higher education this week in Washington D.C., for a White House summit to discuss methods for ensuring greater access and affordability for students across the country.

Each representative was asked to articulate how its institution intends to help more low-income students prepare for college, as well as enroll in and graduate from quality institutions. Georgia Tech’s plans are outlined in a document released by the White House on Thursday, entitled “Commitments to Action on College Opportunity:”

• To expand participation in its G. Wayne Clough Georgia Tech Promise program by 10 percent. The program provides qualified Georgia residents from low-income families a full scholarship—tuition, fees, books, room, and board—and allows students to graduate debt free.
• To deliver technology assisted, college level calculus courses to low-income high school students. These efforts are designed to make participating students better prepared for STEM study at any college, earn college credits while in high school, and be more competitive for acceptance and access to college. In collaboration with guidance counselors and graduation coaches, Georgia Tech will also offer family financial planning to the participating students.
• To provide incremental opportunities for first-generation students at all levels to participate in off campus programs of travel, education, and research by awarding supplemental scholarships. This assistance and the programmatic experiences will help participants develop the necessary skills and networks to succeed professionally in STEM fields.
• To underwrite the full cost of attendance for students from the most underserved regions of Georgia, through the support of community partners and an investment from the university. Participants will be expected to work on campus for 10 hours per week. Mentoring and financial counseling will also be available.

“We are committed to making a Georgia Tech education within reach of every qualified Georgia resident, regardless of family income,” Peterson said in a news release. “By expanding the G. Wayne Clough Georgia Tech Promise program through philanthropic partnerships, we will be able to offer a life-changing education to even more students.” 

The Georgia Institute of Technology contributed information for this report that was edited for publication