2026 Creekside and Tri-Cities High School graduates who did not initially qualify for the Achieve Atlanta Scholarship due to the minimum 80 GPA requirement may still have a future pathway to Achieve Atlanta Scholarship funding through the Second Chance Opportunity.  

The Second Chance Opportunity Application is expected to open in June 2027. Learn more below. 

 

About the Opportunity

The Achieve Atlanta Second Chance Opportunity offers eligible 2026 Creekside and Tri-Cities High School graduates another opportunity to qualify for the Achieve Atlanta Scholarship after demonstrating success during their first year of college. 

To be considered, students must complete their first year of college, earn 24 or more college credits, maintain at least a 2.0 college GPA, and continue to meet Achieve Atlanta’s financial aid and eligibility requirements. 

If approved, students become eligible for the Achieve Atlanta Scholarship, including funding and coaching support beginning at the start of their second year of college. 

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

High School Requirements
Students must have: 

  • Graduated from Creekside High School or Tri-Cities High School (Fulton County Schools district) in May 2026 
  • Completed the Initial Achieve Atlanta Scholarship Application during their senior year of high school 
  • Met Achieve Atlanta’s initial financial aid requirements based on their Initial Achieve Atlanta Scholarship Application (Initial Application) 
    • Been determined ineligible for the Achieve Atlanta Scholarship because they did not meet the minimum 80 GPA requirement based on their Initial Application 

Post-High School Requirements
To become eligible, students must:

  • Complete their first year of college and earn 24 or more college credits by June 1, 2027 
  • Maintain at least a 2.0 college GPA
  • Complete the FAFSA for the 2027-2028 academic year
  • Demonstrate financial need through a Student Aid Index (SAI) of -1,500 to 15,000 on your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS)
    • The FSS is generated electronically a few days after submitting your FAFSA.

      Eligible Postsecondary Institutions

        Students may earn their first-year college credits and GPA at any nonprofit, accredited postsecondary institution. 

        However, to receive the Achieve Atlanta Scholarship funding through the Second Chance Opportunity, students must be enrolled full-time at a postsecondary institution that meets Achieve Atlanta’s eligibility requirements for their degree pathway: 

        For students pursuing a 4-year bachelor’s degree pathway: 

        • Students can attend any Georgia institution* 
        • Out-of-state institutions must have a graduation rate of at least 44% according to College Scorecard. 

        *Students cannot attend Atlanta Metropolitan State College. 

        For students pursuing a 2-year certificate, technical degree, or associate degree pathway, eligible institutions are limited to: 

        • Atlanta Technical College
        • Albany State University 
        • Georgia Military College 
        • Georgia State University-Perimeter College 
        • Georgia Military College 
        • Savannah State University 
        • Any institution within the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) 

        Awards

        Students who qualify through the Second Chance Opportunity will receive an Achieve Atlanta Scholarship award based on the type of institution or program they attend: 

        • 4-Year College/University: $5,000 per year (renewable for up to 8 semesters of school) 
        • 2-Year College & Technical: $1,500 per year (renewable for up to 4 semesters of school) 

        Coaching Support

        Students approved through the Second Chance Opportunity receive Achieve Atlanta Scholarship funding and coaching support. 

        This support is designed to help students continue making progress in college, stay on track academically, and persist toward completing their degree. 

        Next Steps

        Students interested in the Second Chance Opportunity should: 

         Enroll in College this Fall

        Plan to earn at least 30 credit hours by June 1, 2027.

        Complete Your FAFSA

        Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) starting October 2026.

        Save the FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS)

        Save the FAFSA Submission Summary that you can access electronically a few days after completing your application.

        Watch for more information from Achieve Atlanta when it is time to apply in June 2027.

        Questions:

        Students with questions about the Second Chance Opportunity can email scholarship@achieveatlanta.org.