Seven Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) seniors have earned the opportunity to go to college for free thanks to their hard work and dedication. The students are among a select group of 300 students nationwide named 2024 Gates Scholarship recipients. The honorees are:

 

Gates Scholar	High School
Malik Bailey	Archer HS
Sophia Rodriguez	Central Gwinnett HS
Victor Osele	Discovery HS
Hashim Abdullahi	Grayson HS
Braylon Kelley	Gwinnett Online Campus
Georges Djrogbo	Meadowcreek HS
Kevin Nhan	Mountain View HS

 

     The Gates Scholarship is a transformative opportunity that removes financial barriers to college for high-potential, low-income minority students. Funded by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this last-dollar scholarship is awarded to 300 students annually. It covers the full cost of attendance not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution, as determined by FAFSA or the methodology used by a scholar’s college or university. This comprehensive support includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation and may include other personal costs.

     The Gates Scholarship goes beyond financial support. It is a comprehensive program that ensures scholars have access to the resources and services they need from their first to last day of classes through graduation and the transition to their chosen careers. This includes various online support services—career services, mentoring, leadership development, wellness, and knowledge building—tailored to help them excel in their degree programs, graduate, and successfully transition to their chosen career.

     This prestigious scholarship program is based on evidence that by eliminating the financial barriers to college, an all-expenses-paid scholarship can enable high-potential, low-income minority students to excel in their coursework, graduate college, and continue to be leaders throughout their lives.

     Gates Scholars have a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) and an outstanding high school academic record (in the top 10% of his/her graduating class). In addition, they must have demonstrated leadership ability and exceptional personal success skills.