Atlanta High School Students Win More Than $20 Million in Scholarships

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 29, 2024

The school welcomes students from one of the most deprived areas of the city.

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Students at Carver Early College in Atlanta are making big strides toward their college futures. The high school students, from the city’s most vulnerable neighborhoods, won more than $20 million in college scholarships.

In high school, students can take courses for postsecondary studies, making them competitive applicants for colleges and universities. As the premier Early College program in Georgia, courses also prepare students for the rigor of higher education.

Students in this year’s graduating class enjoyed full trips to top schools, including Herman McGhee. He credits his education at Carver as paving the way for his full scholarship to Duke University.

“Never give up on your dreams. Life is going to be hard. That’s the way it should be — especially for African-American students,” McGhee said, as reported by 11 Alive.

The high school has created opportunities for its students, as the majority come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Through high standards and a commitment to life within each classroom, Carver has built a pipeline of progress for graduates.

“Carver Early College is located in one of the poorest communities in the city of Atlanta,” said Principal Dr. Christina Rogers. “So there may be little awareness of the greatness that can still happen when we put education first. »

She added: “Our graduating class has a theme: from adversity to success. And each of them truly embraced adversity, and they overcame every obstacle to realize that success was theirs from the start.

Students have also contributed to the increase in graduation rates in Atlanta public schools. The school system hit an all-time high of 86% in 2023, as the college prep program proves its own benefits. Graduates remembered this life-changing time at Carver while they pursued their degrees.

“There are a lot of opportunities here. The fact that it is a small school adds to its appeal. Everyone knows your name. All students have their doors open,” says Judith Yelibora, who received a scholarship to Georgia Tech. “All you have to do is ask questions, put yourself in these positions, and you will be prepared for life.”