The newly released GOAL Report underscores the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program’s enduring leadership in expanding educational opportunity and school choice for families across the state. Since the inception of Georgia’s Education Expense Credit law 17 years ago, GOAL has awarded $373 million in scholarships to more than 31,500 deserving students.

GOAL is committed to improving educational outcomes in Georgia, allocating 97% of its total revenue for scholarships and awarding 79% of scholarships to families with an adjusted gross income of less than $48,000. The program also demonstrates significant statewide reach and diversity, with 47% of scholarships awarded to students of color and 56% awarded to students outside Metro Atlanta. In 2025 alone, students in 139 Georgia counties received GOAL scholarships. 

Beyond the data, the 2026 Report shares powerful personal stories from families whose lives have been transformed through educational access. One such family, the parents of Dawson and Kelci McCard—GOAL recipient students at Tattnall Square Academy in Macon—shared their gratitude saying, “GOAL makes it possible. Without the assistance, we would not be able to send our children to a private school. Their public school is a failing, lower scoring school in the state, and we wanted better than that for them. We are very appreciative of GOAL and thankful to be able to send our kids to this school and have them in a better environment.”

While the report celebrates the program’s success, it also highlights a pressing challenge. In 2025, taxpayers were only able to contribute 53% of their intended donation amounts due to the $120 million cap on Georgia’s education expense tax credit program. GOAL President and CEO Ben Saylor notes that addressing this issue is essential for continued progress explaining, “This limit restricts our ability to fully support the growing number of students in need. As we look ahead, it is critical that we work together to advocate for an increase in the cap so more families can access the learning environments that best meet their needs.”

Georgia’s business community continues to play a vital role in advancing the program’s mission. More businesses and individuals than ever are leveraging this philanthropic tax credit to empower families and strengthen educational outcomes statewide.

Georgia GOAL is now accepting applications for the 2026 tax credit opportunity. To learn more and apply, please visit www.goalscholarship.org.

###