At Achieve Atlanta, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams beyond high school—regardless of income or circumstance. That’s why we’re excited to announce the next chapter in our partnership with Fulton County Schools (FCS): the expansion of the Achieve Atlanta Scholarship and student support services to four additional high schools—Global Impact Academy, Langston Hughes High School, The Promise Career Institute, and Westlake High School.  

This expansion builds on our successful launch last fall at Creekside High School and Tri-Cities High School, bringing Achieve Atlanta’s proven model of scholarships, advising, coaching, and career readiness support to even more students across Atlanta. 

Building on a Shared Commitment to Postsecondary Success 

The decision to expand into four additional schools followed a comprehensive review of Fulton County Schools, a district that has demonstrated a strong commitment to preparing students for life after high school. Achieve Atlanta sought schools where our scholarship and support services could strengthen existing college access efforts and help more students navigate the path to a postsecondary credential. 

Together, these six Fulton County high schools represent a growing community of students who will have access to financial support and personalized guidance as they pursue college and career goals. 

“Achieve Atlanta, with the full support and enthusiasm of our Board of Directors, is thrilled to expand our scholarship and support services to more Fulton County Schools,” said Dr. Cheryl Watson-Harris, President/Executive Director of Achieve Atlanta. “Building on our success with the initial expansion into Creekside and Tri-Cities high schools, this continued growth allows us to welcome even more students into our journey to and through college. We are proud to partner with a district that shares our deep commitment to a college-going culture. Together, we’re opening doors, breaking down barriers, and empowering Scholars to pursue their dreams and thrive in college, careers, and life.” 

Meet the Four New Schools 

Global Impact Academy | Fairburn, Georgia 
Located in downtown Fairburn, Global Impact Academy is a STEM-focused magnet high school that opened in 2021. The school was designed to prepare students for high-demand careers through pathways in engineering, healthcare sciences, biotechnology, cybersecurity, computer science, energy systems, and advanced mathematics and science. 

Langston Hughes High School | Fairburn, Georgia 
Langston Hughes High School opened in 2009 and has become one of the district’s largest high schools. Named after the celebrated poet, author, and social activist Langston Hughes, the school offers students a broad range of academic and career pathways, including engineering, healthcare science, entrepreneurship, marketing, graphic design, and automotive technology. 

The Promise Career Institute | College Park, Georgia 
Located in College Park, The Promise Career Institute (PCI) represents a bold, innovative approach to high school education. Officially launched as Fulton County Schools’ career-focused high school initiative, PCI opened in 2024 and was created to help students graduate with both a high school diploma and industry-recognized technical certifications through a unique partnership with Atlanta Technical College.  

Westlake High School | Atlanta, Georgia 
Founded in 1988, Westlake High School offers a wide range of rigorous academic programs, including Advanced Placement and Honors courses, International Baccalaureate opportunities, and multiple world language courses.

A Partnership Focused on Possibility 

“One of our highest priorities is ensuring every Fulton County Schools student graduates with a clear pathway to college, career, or military service,” said Dr. Mike Looney, Superintendent of Fulton County Schools. “Achieve Atlanta’s expansion to four additional high schools strengthens that commitment by removing financial barriers and providing students with the guidance and resources they need to achieve their postsecondary aspirations. This partnership reflects what is possible when organizations come together to invest in the success of our students and our community.” 

Beginning this fall, Achieve Atlanta will work alongside school and district leaders to strengthen college-going supports across all six participating Fulton County schools. Eligible seniors at these schools will be able to apply for the Achieve Atlanta Scholarship beginning in February 2027. 

The scholarship provides eligible students with up to $20,000 for college tuition and fees, along with comprehensive support services that help students persist and succeed through college graduation. 

Supporting Success for More Students 

Since its founding in 2015 through the visionary support of the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation, Achieve Atlanta has served more than 7,000 students, awarded more than $70 million in scholarships, and supported Scholars attending more than 400 colleges and universities nationwide. More than 2,400 Scholars have earned a postsecondary credential, transforming opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities. 

Importantly, Achieve Atlanta’s longstanding partnership with Atlanta Public Schools remains unchanged. APS students and graduates will continue to receive scholarship funding and support services as part of our core commitment to Atlanta’s students. 

As we welcome students from Global Impact Academy, Langston Hughes High School, The Promise Career Institute, and Westlake High School, we move one step closer to our vision: an Atlanta where race and income no longer predict postsecondary success and upward mobility. 

Learn more about scholarship eligibility for Fulton County Schools

When Dre’Leon Jones, known professionally as DreTL, first received the Achieve Atlanta Scholarship, his vision for the future looked quite different from where he is today.

Now a college graduate, recording artist, and the Season Two winner of Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow, his journey is a testament to the power of believing in possibilities you cannot yet see.

Finding His Direction

When Dre’Leon was a senior at Maynard H. Jackson High School, his main goal after graduation was simple: to graduate from college.

“My goals honestly were just to make it through college and earn my bachelor’s degree, because I had never seen anyone do it in my family,” he said. 

At that point, music was just a passion, but not a plan.

Georgia State University felt like a natural fit. Already dual-enrolled during high school and deeply rooted in Atlanta, Dre’Leon chose to stay close to home. As an Achieve Atlanta Scholar, enrolling at one of the organization’s partner schools also provided a meaningful opportunity to build connections with fellow Scholars and tap into resources that support his journey toward becoming a first-generation college graduate.

He started his freshman year as a biology major while working at State Farm Arena’s JR Crickett’s thinking a full-time music career felt distant and unrealistic. Like many students, he was still discovering his potential, navigating who he was and what he might become. Dre’Leon then transitioned through the School of Media Entrepreneurship and Film Production before finally pursuing his true passion: music.

Choosing Persistence Over Shortcuts

As Dre’Leon began to develop his sound and gain traction in music, he faced a decision many young creatives encounter: should he fully pursue his passion or stay committed to his education?

For him, the answer was clear.

“When I commit to something, it’s really hard for me to quit. Being a first-generation college grad will mean so much more for my future family than music ever will,” Dre’Leon shared. 

Balancing a full college course load, a full-time job, and an emerging music career was not easy to manage, but he never wavered. His commitment to breaking generational barriers fueled him just as much as his creative ambitions.

Dre’Leon’s college years were defined by nonstop movement, classes by day, studio sessions by night, and performances in between.

“It was extremely difficult but, it is the happiest I have ever been in my life,” he said.

That season of constant hustle helped shape both his artistry and his discipline. The long nights, early mornings, and consistent belief in himself built the foundation for what was to come.

Spotlight Moment: Rhythm + Flow 

During his senior year, Dre’Leon stepped onto one of the biggest stages of his life as a contestant on Netflix’s Season Two of Rhythm + Flow, filmed in Atlanta.

Guided by judges Ludacris, DJ Khaled and Latto, contestants faced intense challenges, from rap battles to high-pressure performances. Dre’Leon navigated each round while still staying on track to graduate.

“It was an unforgettable experience that was both exciting and stressful… I had to be locked in on the show but also knew I could not give up on my mission to become a first-generation graduate,” Dre’Leon shared.

Balancing production schedules with coursework requires intense focus and determination. But true to form, Dre’Leon refused to let go of either dream.

He did not just compete; he won!

His final performance of “Nobody,” produced by Hitmaka, earned unanimous praise from the judges, securing both the title and the $250,000 grand prize.

In a Netflix article, Natalie Morin noted that “Judges Ludacris, DJ Khaled, and Latto all agree that coming to a final decision was extremely difficult, but in the end, DreTL proved to offer much more than just bars.”

Dre’Leon’s first post-show performance was a full-circle moment. He performed at the sold-out Atlanta Hawks vs. Los Angeles Lakers halftime show at the State Farm Arena, just steps away from where he had been working at JR Crickets for the last five years.

Achieve Atlanta’s Role in Dre’Leon’s Success

Through every transition, Achieve Atlanta played a critical role in Dre’Leon’s success.

“Achieve Atlanta helped me out in so many ways during college. Financial support was always there and a huge help,” he said.

During one of the most challenging periods of his life, when both of his parents were incarcerated, the scholarship became more than financial aid; it was a lifeline.

“My Achieve Atlanta advisors always provided emotional and academic help when I didn’t know who else to go to,” said Dre’Leon. That support system helped him stay on track, providing stability when it mattered most.

“Overall, Achieve Atlanta played a pivotal role in me finishing college and getting my degree,” he said.

With a degree in hand and a major win behind him, Dre’Leon is just getting started.

“I will continue to be great and try to inspire as many people as possible to chase their dreams. I will definitely release another album soon!” shared the artist.

He remains focused on his creative, professional, and personal growth while using his platform to motivate others.

Advice for Future Scholars 

For Achieve Atlanta Scholars juggling academics and big aspirations, Dre’Leon offers grounded wisdom rooted in his own journey:

“Remember that all things are possible through Christ who strengthens you,” he said. “Once your dreams come true, you will realize that the journey was the most important part all along.”

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When Alleyah Allen decided to attend Kennesaw State University, she was looking forward to a future full of possibilities. Excited by the university’s strong academic programs and flexibility, she chose to major in finance, eager to understand how businesses operate and how financial decisions shape long-term success.

“I wanted to build a stable future for myself,” Alleyah says. “Kennesaw State felt like the right place to grow academically and prepare for a career in business.”

As an Achieve Atlanta Scholar, Alleyah entered college with both ambition and support. The scholarship not only helped ease her tuition burden but also gave her a dedicated network invested in her success.

But just as her journey began, the world changed.

Alleyah, pictured in the center

Navigating Uncertain Times

Alleyah began her freshman year in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of experiencing the traditional excitement of campus life, she found herself navigating virtual classes, isolation, and constant uncertainty.

“I was motivated and excited about beginning a new chapter,” she recalls. “But adjusting to college during the pandemic was difficult. It was hard to stay connected, focused, and confident about the future when everything felt unpredictable.”

Like many students during that time, she struggled with the transition. Online learning and limited interaction made it challenging to stay academically and socially connected. At times, graduating from college no longer felt as realistic as it once had.

The Power of The Pivot

In 2021, Alleyah made a pivotal decision that would reshape her path: she enlisted in the Georgia Army National Guard.

Through her service, she gained discipline, structure, and a renewed sense of purpose, helping her regain confidence in herself and her goals.

“My time in the military helped me mature,” she says. “It gave me a fresh mindset and the determination to return to college and finish what I started.”

Serving as both a supply clerk and photographer, she developed valuable skills in responsibility, time management, and resilience, all while continuing her education.

Returning with Focus and Purpose

When Alleyah returned to college, she approached it differently. Her experiences had reshaped her mindset, and she was more focused than ever on her long-term goals.

She remained committed to earning her finance degree while balancing the demands of military service, academic responsibilities, and campus involvement.

“Balancing everything meant staying organized and learning how to adapt quickly,” she says. “There were times when I had to manage assignments around military duties and other responsibilities. It was not always easy.”

But this time, she had the tools and the discipline to push through.

Throughout her journey, Achieve Atlanta remained a consistent source of support. Financially, the scholarship allowed her to focus on her education without overwhelming stress. Mentally, it provided her with a community of support.

“Achieve Atlanta gave me confidence knowing there were people invested in my success,” she says. “When things felt overwhelming, that support reminded me I wasn’t navigating college on my own.”

Looking Ahead

Now, as she prepares to continue building her career, Alleyah is focused on opportunities in business, finance, and supply chain operations while also expanding her photography work.

Her long-term goals remain focused on impact: investing in real estate and developing a tiny home community that creates affordable, meaningful living spaces for others.

“I’m excited to keep growing and building a future that reflects both my creativity and my business goals.”

Alleyah, pictured in the center

A Message to Future Scholars

Reflecting on her journey, Alleyah encourages other Achieve Atlanta Scholars:

“Give yourself grace and remember that everyone’s journey looks different,” she says. “There will be challenging moments, especially when you’re balancing multiple responsibilities, but consistency matters more than perfection.”

She emphasizes the importance of staying focused, asking for help, and using the resources available.

“Every challenge teaches you something,” she says. “And every step forward brings you closer to the future you’re working for.”

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