Savannah Scholars, a nonprofit dedicated to improving college access and graduation rates for high-achieving and low-income Chatham County high school students, recently announced it has extended the deadline for its third cohort of students to July 15, 2026. Families of eligible students (who just completed 8th grade) can visit savannahscholars.org to learn more about program benefits and access the application.

“Talent is everywhere in Savannah, but opportunity is not,” said Nancy Baker, founder of Savannah Scholars. “Our goal is to help academically promising students, regardless of income, find a path to college while giving them the support to reach it. Our program builds an educated workforce of community-minded leaders. Every kid who comes into our program will never be the same. It is always all about the kids and that is why we are so passionate about Savannah Scholars.”

Selected applicants are inducted in the fall of their high school freshman year to a free, comprehensive program that supports them throughout high school and their critical college years. Scholars learn how to map high school courses, build a strong GPA, set goals, and develop critical communication skills. Savannah Scholars provides its students with comprehensive college preparation, including one-on-one mentorship, campus visits, SAT/ACT test preparation, hands-on workshops, and financial literacy. All services are offered at no cost to families. 

The need for a program like Savannah Scholars is great. Georgia has the second-highest student debt per borrower rate in the United States, and only 34 percent of low-income students enroll in college, compared to 83 percent of high-income students. However, research shows that college access programs dramatically increase graduation rates and open pathways to success for students who might otherwise be overlooked. In fact, students with mentors are 55 percent more likely to enroll in college and a bachelor’s degree earns $1.2 million more than a high school diploma over a lifetime.

Local families, educators, and community partners are encouraged to spread the word and encourage 8th graders to apply today. Join Savannah Scholars in building a brighter future for Savannah’s youth—one scholar at a time.