MGA Awarded Grant To Support Students Who Have Experienced Foster Care Or Homelessness

Macon, GA

Middle Georgia State University’s Office of Student Care has received a $75,000 Embark Georgia Campus Capacity grant to expand support for students who have experienced foster care or homelessness.

The grant, made available through the support of the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation and administered by the Embark Georgia Center at the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, will help Middle Georgia State (MGA) develop two programs: Beacon Scholars and Luminary Scholars. Both programs are designed to help students stay in college and make progress toward graduation by connecting them with resources, building life skills, and encouraging them to take advantage of available support services.

“We want these students to know they have a support system at MGA and access to resources that can help them navigate college and prepare for life after graduation,” said Elaine Martin, assistant director of Student Care at MGA. “By combining practical support with coaching, mentoring and opportunities to develop new skills, we hope to help students build confidence and stay on track toward their educational goals.”

The Beacon Scholars program will initially serve about five students who have experienced foster care and/or homelessness. Participants will receive housing and meal plans, weekly success coaching, monthly scholar meetings, financial literacy training, and connections to academic support and career resources.

Students also will have opportunities to earn incentives for completing program milestones. These incentives will help address some of the financial challenges students may face, including the cost of technology and academic supplies. Students also will set a financial goal at the beginning of each semester and work toward achieving it, with program incentives providing additional support along the way.

MGA also will develop the Luminary Scholars program to help students build leadership and career readiness skills. Participants will include students who have successfully completed the Beacon Scholars program, as well as students who have experienced foster care and/or homelessness and demonstrated academic success.

Luminary Scholars will receive a leadership stipend for providing peer mentorship and guidance to Beacon Scholars. By sharing their experiences and demonstrating that college success is possible, they can help Beacon Scholars navigate obstacles and stay focused on their goals.

MGA plans to launch the programs in spring 2027.

November

MGA Awarded Grant To Support Students Who Have Experienced Foster Care Or Homelessness