Albany State University (ASU) is proud to continue its impactful partnership with Achieve Atlanta, working together to support Atlanta Public Schools (APS) scholars in their journey to and through college. Since launching in 2019, the partnership has helped expand access to higher education, close equity gaps, and increase college persistence and completion for students from the Atlanta community.

Achieve Atlanta provides eligible students with up to $5,000 per year for bachelor’s degree programs or $1,500 per year for associate or technical programs, along with personalized coaching and advising. These wraparound services have been shown to improve college persistence across all demographics, and ASU is seeing that impact firsthand.

“We are united in our pursuit of ensuring all students, regardless of where they start, can achieve their highest aspirations,” said Dr. Cheryl Watson-Harris, President and Executive Director of Achieve Atlanta. “We have more than 100 Achieve Atlanta Scholars enrolled at Albany State University, and have provided $4.63 million in scholarships to Scholars at ASU since the inception of our nonprofit in 2015. Through our partnership, we know we’re creating a powerful impact on the lives of our students from the Atlanta community. Together, we are not just advocating for college access and success, but we are fostering a culture of upward mobility that benefits all of our students, our families, and our communities.”

Through this partnership, ASU has built a robust support system to help scholars thrive. The university established a Campus Support Team to connect students with critical resources such as Financial Aid, Enrollment Services, Career Services, and Housing. Dr. Raven Payne, Assistant Vice President for Student Success, serves as the Campus Liaison, while Jasmine Smith supports students directly as the Campus Coordinating Advisor.

“I am deeply grateful for the vision and commitment of Achieve Atlanta in expanding access to higher education for Atlanta Public Schools scholars,” said Dr. Payne. “Their investment in our students goes far beyond financial support—it represents a belief in their potential and a pathway to upward mobility. At Albany State University, we are proud to be a partner in this important work and look forward to continuing to create a supportive environment where Achieve Atlanta scholars can thrive, persist, and graduate.”

In addition to financial and academic support, Achieve Atlanta collaborates with ASU on student success initiatives, including early connection programs like Scholar Night, social-emotional coaching through national nonprofit Beyond 12, and peer-led outreach through campus ambassadors. ASU is also featured as an official Achieve Atlanta College Partner, helping prospective students view Albany State as a destination for affordable, high-quality education.

Together, Albany State University and Achieve Atlanta are creating a more equitable future where all students have the resources, relationships, and resilience to reach their goals.