Savannah Scholars extends application deadline for free college access program for eighth graders

by Shakuria Smith

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Savannah Scholars has extended the application deadline for its third student cohort, giving eligible Chatham County students more time to apply for the nonprofit’s free college access and leadership program.

The new deadline is July 15, 2026. The program is open to high-achieving, low-income students in Chatham County who recently completed eighth grade.

Nancy Baker said the program was created to help academically promising students access opportunities that may otherwise feel out of reach.

“Talent is everywhere in Savannah, but opportunity is not,” Baker said. “Our goal is to help academically promising students, regardless of income, find a path to college while giving them the support to reach it.”

Students selected for the program are inducted during the fall of their freshman year of high school and receive ongoing support through high school and college. Organizers said the program helps students plan coursework, maintain strong grades, build communication skills and prepare for college admissions.

Savannah Scholars also offers one-on-one mentorship, college campus visits, SAT and ACT preparation, financial literacy workshops and individualized college counseling — all at no cost to families.

According to the organization, Georgia has the second-highest student debt per borrower rate in the country. Savannah Scholars said only 34% of low-income students enroll in college, compared to 83% of high-income students.

Program leaders said mentorship and college access programs can dramatically improve graduation rates and long-term success.

Families can learn more and apply through the organization’s website here.