The Next Step to Success Scholarship program awarded six Sandy Springs college students, on average, $4600 each for the 2023-2024 academic year. The program has cumulatively awarded $60,000 over the past three years. Scholarship recipients had received other Sandy Springs non-profit scholarships or grants during their first year of post-secondary education that were limited to one year. Next Step to Success scholarships provide funds for these students to assist with the cost of post-secondary education after successfully completing their first year of academic or vocational study.
“Many of our recipients are the first in their families to go beyond the 8th grade, and many have multi-generational family responsibilities at home while also working and attending college. They have demonstrated a commitment to our community and are volunteering or interning with many of our non-profit organizations this summer,” explained David Couchman, President of the Couchman Noble Foundation.
This year’s recipients include two students who have received the Next Step to Success Scholarship for at least one previous year. One of these students is entering her senior year in college. Colleges attended by scholarship recipients include Oglethorpe University, Kennesaw State University, Georgia State University and Rollins College.
“Our recipients have demonstrated the drive and dedication to be successful in their academic post-secondary educational goals but are facing financial barriers. Our scholarship will assure that they do not have to drop out and can continue to graduation. In addition, it is our hope that when they graduate, they will have less student debt because of this scholarship,” said David Couchman.
It is Couchman’s hope that they will be able to expand this scholarship program to include additional deserving students in Sandy Springs. If you want to learn more about how to support this effort, please contact David Couchman at david@sandyspringstogether.org.
The Next Step to Success Scholarship program also partners with the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, which provides guidance, administrative support and implementation of the Next Step to Success Scholarship program.
