WAYNESBORO, GA (October 8, 2020) – Peach State Federal Credit Union has committed to donating $3,000 to Burke County Middle School’s REACH Scholarship Program over the next three years. The program will receive $1,000 each year through 2022 from the credit union.

Students are selected to become REACH Scholars beginning in the 8th grade at Burke County Middle School, a participant in Georgia’s REACH Scholarship Program. The criteria for selection includes federal income eligibility guidelines, a secondary cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 or better, be identified as academically promising, have a clean discipline record, zero out-of-school suspensions, a strong attendance record, meet Georgia residency requirements, and meet U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen requirements. School systems give preference to students who are the first in their families to attend college and students who have shown the capacity to make As and Bs. Burke County School administrators are working to raise the funds needed for this endeavor.

"Burke County Middle School is excited to work with Peach State Federal Credit Union to support students who are ready to persevere and work hard to achieve their dreams,” remarked Burke County Middle School Principal, Wanda Parrish. “We will work together to extend college to motivated eighth graders who are ready for the challenge this endeavor brings."

Support of the REACH program aligns with Peach State’s roots. “Our credit union was founded by educators nearly 60 years ago and we maintain a connection with that foundation through our continued support of education throughout our service area,” said Peach State’s President/CEO, Marshall Boutwell. “We’re excited to help Burke County Schools help their students achieve educational success through this program. “

To learn more about the REACH Georgia program, please visit http://reachga.org/.

About Peach State Federal Credit Union

Peach State is a $619 million credit union that serves more than 60,000 members in Georgia and South Carolina. Operating as a not-for-profit financial cooperative, Peach State’s mission is to provide quality financial services that meet the needs and exceed the expectations of its member-owners. For more information about our products and services, visit www.peachstatefcu.org. The credit union’s passion for helping their members and community continue to grow guided them to donate more than $500,000 in 2019 alone. The Peach State C.A.R.E.S. VISA® Debit Card program was created to put these contributions on a sustainable path for the future. To learn more about how Peach State cares, visit https://www.peachstatefcu.org/Stories/Peach-State-CARES.