Out of four kids, Dontavious Taylor is the first high school graduate and first to attend college from his family. A former student of Project GRAD Atlanta, the English major at Morehouse College credits a lot of his educational success to the organization that is dedicated to increasing the number of high school and college graduates from economically disadvantaged communities.
“Nowadays, college degrees are required to be competitive at any level whether it is an associate’s or bachelor’s,” said Executive Director Yolanda Watson Spiva. “Our programs really allow us to develop a more educated citizenry which is competitive and a lot of them return back to the city and benefit the local economy.”
Established in 2000, Project GRAD Atlanta provides reading, mathematics, discipline, curricula, family support services and college readiness programming in Atlanta Public Schools. Additionally, the organization provides their students $4,000 scholarships and continued guidance through college ensuring success. Project GRAD Atlanta is involved in 33 schools and works with over 13,000 students in inner-city Atlanta of which 89 percent are from low-income families.
“I followed the programs throughout the school year and took part in the summer programs that helped me receive scholarships towards my college education,” added Taylor, who graduated from the New Schools at Carver School of Technology. He now volunteers with Project GRAD Atlanta.
“Whether it is financial support or taking time to become a mentor, our community has to be supportive of our students,” said Watson Spiva. “We have to change the culture of low achievements, low aspirations and we provide our students the inspiration and hope that regardless of circumstances, college and a successful future is a possibility.”
To get involved with Project GRAD Atlanta, visit www.projectgradatlanta.org
In Other News: Through the Walmart Foundation and Meals on Wheels Association of America, Age Well Forsyth, Inc. was awarded $17, 934.19 through the partnership's Building The Future Impact Grants. The money will allow Age Well Forsyth, Inc. to purchase kitchen equipment for the Meals on Wheels program which fights to end senior hunger. The grant is a part of Walmart Foundation's $5 million donation to Meals on Wheels Association of America.
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