The University of North Georgia (UNG) celebrated REACH Georgia by hosting 65 scholars, parents and chaperones, and school administrators from 10 schools from multiple Georgia counties at UNG's Dahlonega Campus. While there, the 65 visitors explored the campus, engaged with representatives of UNG and heard from an alumnus.

REACH Georgia, administered by the Georgia Student Finance Authority, is the state of Georgia's first need-based mentorship and college scholarship program.  

Rylan Shields, a sophomore from Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, said his favorite part of the day was playing a game that helped him learn more about campus life. His time in Dahlonega cemented his idea of pursuing a college degree in real estate and/or meteorology.

"I still want to go to a four-year college and get my bachelor's degree," Shields said. "If anything, the UNG REACH Georgia Day made me want to go to college more because of the atmosphere and how calm and relaxing it was on the campus."

Fannin County Middle School eighth-grader Cash Goulah is interested in a legal career and was eager to learn more about the scholarship.

"It’s a great opportunity and I get a mentor to see regularly, but the best part is the benefit of having a scholarship," he said.

Nik Pett is currently a junior at UNG pursuing a degree in studio art. She was hired by guest speaker —and alumnus — Maxwell Bentley, founder and chief storyteller at Bentley Media Group, to photograph him speaking at the event.

"It was my first professional job. It was cool and nerve-racking at the same time," Pett said, adding that she needs more practice photographing people and hopes to obtain it soon.

Bentley provided "a helpful critique" of the photos. 

"It was definitely an experience I can grow from,” the Cumming, Georgia, resident said.

Bentley graduated with a degree in film and digital media in 2019. When he started his business 10 years ago, someone took a chance and hired him for the first time. That person was Dr. Alyson Paul, now UNG's vice president for Student Engagement and Success.  

"Her willingness to hire me, even though I had a limited portfolio, gave me the confidence to chase my dreams and go on to build a successful company," Bentley said. "I hired Nik because I wanted to pay it forward and create that same opportunity. I also wanted to provide the experience of working with a real paying client, while actively coaching and sharing feedback, something not a lot of creatives get to experience."

Also in attendance was Laura Ergle, college and career readiness specialist with the Office of Rural Education and Innovation in Georgia's Department of Education.

"I work with rural school systems to ensure that they know about all these opportunities they have. Just because they live in rural Georgia doesn't mean they shouldn't be planning for college. I think this is great," Ergle said. "I like the idea that there are eighth graders here. They need to see this. Life is sweet in elementary and middle school, but when you go to high school, things start 'counting' and you realize you must keep a GPA because grades count."