ATLANTA – More than 100 students plus school officials from private K-12 schools across Georgia gathered at the State Capitol yesterday for GOAL Day at the Capitol, urging lawmakers to increase the annual cap on the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program from $120 million to $225 million to meet growing demand from Georgia families.

Students met with legislators, delivering GOAL cookies and informational one-pagers outlining the need for a meaningful cap increase. GOAL scholarship recipients shared their personal stories and thanked lawmakers for their continued support of the program, which provides tax credit scholarships to help families access the school that best meets their children’s needs.

During the rally portion of the event, students lined the Capitol steps while several legislators addressed the crowd and voiced support for expanding the program. Representative Kasey Carpenter, Senator Bo Hatchett, and Representative Scott Hilton were among those speaking in favor of increasing the program’s cap to ensure more Georgia students can benefit from GOAL scholarships.

Ben Saylor, President and CEO of Georgia GOAL, welcomed attendees and introduced Ray James, Head of The Ansley School, who spoke about the program’s impact. Two students from Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School also shared remarks about how GOAL scholarships have helped open doors for their education and put them on the path for college opportunities.

Students and school officials in attendance at the Capitol event represented The Ansley School, Atlanta Youth Academy, Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School, Mt. Bethel Christian Academy, and North Cobb Christian School.

Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones has also expressed support for increasing the program’s annual cap. “Georgia families deserve access to educational opportunities that best meet their children’s needs,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “The GOAL Scholarship Program has helped thousands of students attend schools where they can thrive. Increasing the program’s cap will allow even more families to benefit and ensure that this successful program continues to grow.”

The Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, the largest school choice organization in the state, allows Georgia taxpayers to receive a state income tax credit in exchange for their contributions, which provide scholarships to eligible students attending private K-12 schools across the state.

Advocates say increasing the cap from $120 million to $225 million would allow thousands more students to access scholarships and would better align the program with the growing demand from families seeking educational options.

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About Georgia GOAL
Georgia GOAL is a nonprofit student scholarship organization that provides need-based scholarships to eligible Georgia students so they can attend the private K-12 schools that best meet their educational needs. GOAL scholarships are funded by voluntary contributions from Georgia taxpayers who receive a state income tax credit in return.