As school choice programs gain momentum throughout the U.S., as revealed in its new GOAL Report, the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program continues to serve as a model for parental choice in education. Since 2008, GOAL has awarded $267 million in scholarships to more than 24,600 deserving Georgia students, with 97% of its total revenue being allocated for scholarships and 85% of its scholarships being awarded to families with an AGI of less than $48,000.
Thus, it is no surprise that, as highlighted in the GOAL Report, in 2019, Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp stated that he would support and defend this important student scholarship program, which, “is essential to protecting parents’ right to choose an education for their children with respects their personal beliefs, whether religious or secular, liberal or conservative.”
The new GOAL Report highlights the broad diversity and geographic reach of the program, with 47% of scholarships being awarded to Asian, Black/African American, and Hispanic/Latino students and scholarships being awarded throughout the state, including 7,015 in north Georgia, 26,443 in metro Atlanta, 14,314 in middle Georgia, and 15,372 in south Georgia.
In addition to providing financial and scholarship contribution and award results, the GOAL Report contains appreciative parent testimonials and survey results. In the words of Kimberly Brown, whose daughter, Kahlaia, attends North Cobb Christian School on a GOAL Scholarship, “I want to give my daughter the best education possible to give her every tool to become a dynamic leader and citizen and will do the best I can to make it happen. I am so eternally grateful for this help.”
The GOAL Report also highlights the continued and indispensable support of businesses throughout Georgia, who well-understand the importance of providing more choices to the consumers in the K-12 education marketplace.
In a message to GOAL contributors in the introduction to the Report, Executive Director Lisa Kelly explains, “You are the heroes of this program, as your tax credit-eligible contributions to GOAL have resulted in tens of thousands of improved outcomes and changed lives for families. The results of this program are dramatic and inspiring. We are very grateful to you for investing in Georgia students.”
Georgia GOAL is now accepting applications for the 2024 tax credit opportunity. To learn more and apply, please visit www.goalscholarship.org.
Georgia lawmakers, tax credit contributors, participating school communities, recipient families, and GOAL are committed to remaining a beacon of hope and providing best practices to those in other states who are seeking greater opportunities for access to learning – GOAL.