Georgia State University has been awarded $1 million in renewed grant funding from the Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship program. The grant will support students who are the first in their family to attend college by giving merit-based scholarships to three cohorts of 10 students at the Atlanta Campus and three cohorts of 10-15 students at the Perimeter campuses. In addition, it will also provide six new awards for seniors who have unmet financial need.
“We are honored that the Coca-Cola Foundation recognizes the quality and ambition of Georgia State and its students, and we appreciate their continued partnership in advancing student success and Georgia State,” said University President Dr. M Brian Blake. “Providing more students with opportunities for scholarship support is a top priority for Georgia State and the Coca-Cola Foundation’s generosity helps us remove barriers to Panther achievement and uplifts students in pursuit of their dreams.”
The Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship program at Georgia State started in 2011 with a first-year, $1.3 million award that established merit-based four-year scholarships for first generation students and supported the university’s Freshman Learning Communities and other services that help students succeed and remain on their path to graduation. Based on the program’s positive impact, the Coca-Cola Foundation provided an additional $2.6 million grant in 2017 to increase the number of first-generation scholarships, boost programs that help with student retention and expand study abroad opportunities.
The Coca-Cola Foundation’s latest grant will provide $1 million over the next four years to fund $5,000 per year scholarships for 30 students at Georgia State’s Atlanta Campus and two-year $5,000 annual scholarships to 39 students transitioning from the Perimeter College to pursue bachelor’s degrees at the Atlanta Campus. Also included in the award are funds to support students with unmet financial need during their senior year to help avoid last-minute financial shortfalls that would prevent them from completing their degrees.
“Ten years ago, The Coca-Cola Foundation made the initial grant to Georgia State for the First Generation Scholarship Program. Since that time, hundreds of students have benefitted from the scholarship and support services supported by our grants”, said Saadia Madsbjerg, President, The Coca-Cola Foundation. “Our continued support reflects the value we place in supporting students who are the first in their families to attend college.”
Explore some of the many ways Georgia State’s philanthropic partners and individual donors make a meaningful difference in student’s lives at giving.gsu.edu.
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