News Room

 

 

REACH Georgia is a mentorship and scholarship program that provides scholars with the academic, social, and financial support needed to graduate from high school, gain access to college and achieve post-secondary success. Upon successful completion of the program, qualifying students earn a $10,000 scholarship ($2,500 max/year or $1,250/semester) towards the cost of attendance at a HOPE-eligible postsecondary institution.

To be eligible for the REACH Georgia Program, a student must: 

• Currently be a rising 8th grader at an eligible Georgia school in a participating district     
• Demonstrate and provide proof of financial need                                                                               
• Have proven legal status in the United States (U.S. Citizen or legal resident)                                   
• Have good attendance and behavior                                                                                                   
• Have grade reports reflecting at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average in core courses           
• Have a crime and drug-free record                                                                                                     
• Have demonstrated the support of a parent, legal guardian, or other caring adult

Please see Mrs. Bryant for an application or click on the link below:

reach-scholar-application-2024-2025-english-version-fillable-form.pdf

Click this link to apply today... Deadline is September 9, 2024

The applications will be reviewed to make sure that the student meets the requirements and financial restrictions. Then the applicant will go through an interview process with our sponsors. 

Thank you for your interest in REACH at BHMS. 

Ben Hill County Schools has announced a $250,000 gift from the West Fraser Fitzgerald Sawmill Division to fund a forestry-related education facility on the Fitzgerald High School College and Career Academy campus.

The company is also donating wood building products which will feature prominently in the design of the forestry facility. Construction is planned to begin this summer and is expected to be completed during the 2024-2025 school year. The facility will be named the West Fraser Forestry Lab and Sustainable Forest. It will be used to educate generations of students about forestry, natural resources, ecology, sustainability and environmental stewardship. “The Ben Hill County School District is excited to form this partnership with West Fraser,” said Ben Hill County Schools Superintendent Dawn Clements.

“Locally, the county has a vast forestry industry with all types of natural resources and job opportunities to grow the workforce in Ben Hill County,” Clements noted. “With students having access to a forestry lab, they will be able to receive hands-on training in forestry. Partnerships with corporations like West Fraser help the district continue training a workforce focused on improving the quality of life for rural Georgia.” Comprised of both indoor and outdoor spaces, the new facility will serve as a multi-purpose educational space for the school district.

The indoor meeting space will hold up to 150 people and will be equipped with modern educational technology such as smart boards. There will also be a kitchen and restrooms, as well as indoor and outdoor storage.

Incorporating West Fraser-made structural products into the is a top priority that will further educate generations of students on the importance of wood products in construction and their structural and aesthetic significance in building design.

The West Fraser Forestry Lab and Sustainable Forest will provide unique, hands-on educational experiences for Ben Hill County Students, ranging from primary through secondary school learners. The school with expand students’ horizons in forestry and related fields. “At West Fraser, we believe in investing in people and their potential.” said Jerone Nails, general manager of Fitzgerald Sawmill, West Fraser.

“Forestry and wood products manufacturing are important industries to this region, and we see this partnership as a way to create awareness with youth about exciting areas of study and potential careers that can directly impact the local environment and economy,” Nails said.

As part of the project, a designated forestry plot on the school’s acreage will be used as a “living lab,” providing practical educational opportunities in forestry management, forest measurements and wildlife management. This will expand current instruction such as instructional sessions presented to students by the Georgia Forestry Commission.