Scholarships connect community generosity with student ambition, helping Rockdale County students take confident next steps toward their futures.
Explore the sections on this page to learn more about our scholarship programs and the award recipients.
Are you interested in starting a scholarship for Rockdale County students?
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The Rockdale Education Foundation (REF) awards an annual $1,000 scholarship to a qualifying senior at each of the following schools: Heritage High School, Rockdale County High School, Rockdale Magnet School and Salem High School.
Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to achievement and intend to continue their education at a college/university or technical school upon high school graduation. The Rockdale Education Foundation announces each school’s recipient at their respective Senior Awards program.
To apply, a student must:
- be a 12th grade student on target to graduate from a Rockdale County school: Heritage High School, Rockdale County High School, Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, or Salem High School
- have been admitted to a college or technical school for the school year following high school graduation, and
- complete an application, including a video essay portion.
More information will be posted when the next application cycle opens.
Inspired By a Neighbor
Rose and Travis Collins both grew up in Newton County and later settled down in nearby Rockdale County. As they raised their children, they got to know a family in the neighborhood who had immigrated from Mexico. Rose and Travis were struck by how hard the teen daughter worked to do well in school so she could be the first in her family to go to college. That neighbor inspired them to create a scholarship that provides recognition and assistance to aspiring first generation Latino college students. They called the award Aspiraciones Más Grandes — Bigger Aspirations.
The Collins family started by funding full four-year scholarships at Wake Forest University where their sons attended college. They then expanded the award to include graduating seniors from Rockdale County and later added a scholarship for students graduating from Newton County Schools.
Rockdale Education Foundation administers the Collins Family Scholarship which provides four $3,000 awards to graduating seniors of Rockdale County Public Schools who are of Hispanic/Latinx descent, regardless of citizenship status. First preference will be given to first generation college students.
More information will be posted when the next application cycle opens.
REACH Georgia is a statewide, needs‑based mentoring and scholarship program designed to help promising students graduate from high school and succeed in college.
Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) has proudly participated in the REACH program since 2018, supporting local students through mentoring, academic coaching, and college‑readiness guidance. During these years, the Rockdale Education Foundation has served as a dedicated funding partner.
REACH Georgia Scholars are selected based on grades, behavior, and recommendations. Scholars who complete program requirements and graduate with at least a 2.5 GPA earn a college scholarship of up to $10,000 to use at any HOPE‑eligible institution in Georgia.
What began as a five‑district pilot in 2012 now serves all 180 Georgia school systems and more than 4,000 students statewide. REACH is administered by the Georgia Student Finance Authority and funded through state appropriations, private donations, and contributions from local communities, including long‑standing partners like the Rockdale Education Foundation.
We are incredibly excited for the amazing opportunity our students have and for the strong community partnership that makes it possible. REACH represents a meaningful investment in both our students and the future of our state by creating pathways for students who might otherwise be unable to pursue post-secondary education due to financial barriers. The continued support of the RCPS Foundation, along with the commitment of the community, our business partners and stakeholders, truly transforms these students’ lives.”
-April Fallon, RCPS Director of Community and Student Support and RCPS REACH Georgia Coordinator
For more information, please contact April Fallon by email or visit the Reach Georgia website.
RCPS 2026 Eighth Grade REACH Scholars Signing Ceremony
Students receive a $10,000 scholarship upon completion of the REACH GA program.