Supporting Success: Achieve Atlanta Expands to Four More Fulton County Schools

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

Achieve Atlanta

Achieve Atlanta

Our mission is to help students access, afford, and earn postsecondary credentials.