Georgia boosts college enrollment with targeted outreach program

Georgia's governor, Brian Kemp, announced a significant increase in college enrollment attributed to a targeted outreach program that sends letters to high school seniors encouraging them to apply for college. Preliminary data indicates a 9% rise in enrollment at technical colleges and a 6% increase at state universities compared to the previous year. The program has led to a 26% increase in applications to technical colleges and a 10% rise for public universities. Kemp emphasized the importance of education in enhancing the state's workforce and economic growth, stating that a well-educated population is essential for attracting businesses to Georgia. The outreach initiative aims to inform students about their eligibility for college and the opportunities available to them, particularly for first-time higher education students whose families may lack knowledge about the application process. The program, which is set to continue with letters being sent out again in October, has already shown promising results, with over half of the recipients applying to public colleges. Additionally, application fees will be waived for most public colleges and universities in November, further encouraging enrollment. Experts have noted that many students are unaware of their qualifications for college, and this initiative is designed to bridge that gap. The Technical College System of Georgia has reported an increase in student numbers after years of decline, indicating a positive shift in the state's educational landscape and workforce development efforts.