The Scholarship Academy 2023 Annual Report by INMO Creative

EMPOWERING FUTURES, CHANGING LIVES

2023 Annual Report

Our Vision is that students enter college on a pathway to graduate with as little debt as possible. Our Mission is to help low-income students secure resources to pursue higher education opportunities with minimum debt and, thus, create a healthier financial aid culture.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from Founder & Executive Director �� 4 Do You Want To Go To College? �� 6 The Scholarship Academy Model: Learn-Do-Track �� 8 Virtual Scholarship Center Website ��10 College Access Hub ��12 Program Data ��14 Financial Data ��15 Board, Staff, & Support ��16 Key Partners ��17

Empowering Futures, Changing Lives Imagine a world where every student can access higher education and realize their full potential regardless of their financial situation. A world where the prospect of crippling student debt doesn’t overshadow the excitement of embarking on a college journey. This is not just a dream; it’s the vision that drives The Scholarship Academy. We are an organization fueled by possibility, committed to dismantling financial barriers in education. We believe in the power of potential, the promise of education, and the pursuit of dreams. Our mission? To pave the way for low-income students to secure resources that make higher education opportunities accessible, attainable, and affordable. But we don’t stop at mere accessibility. We strive to cultivate a healthier financial aid culture where students enter college and graduate with minimal debt. This mission goes beyond individual success; it echoes across communities, fostering a cycle of opportunity and prosperity. Let us take you on a journey through our year of impact—of lives changed, dreams realized, and communities transformed. Because at The Scholarship Academy, we’re not just

shaping futures—we’re changing the narrative of what’s possible.

LETTER FROM FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear Supporters and Friends of The Scholarship Academy, I am delighted to share with you our journey of impact and transformation as we continue our mission to empower underserved students on their path to higher education. Your unwavering support has been the cornerstone of our success, and I am thrilled to reflect on our accomplishments and reaffirm our commitment to making a lasting difference. The Scholarship Academy (TSA) stands as a beacon of hope for countless students and families seeking access to higher education without the weight of insurmountable debt. We are more than an organization; we are a community of dedicated individuals determined to level the playing field and redefine the possibilities for students from all walks of life.

“The dream would be for our students to be able to do bold things the minute they set out into the world.” « Watch for more

At our core, TSA is driven by the unwavering belief that every student deserves an equal opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of their socio-economic background. Our approach centers on equipping students with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to navigate the complex landscape of college funding. Through our innovative programs, financial aid immersion events, and the Virtual Scholarship Center (VSC), we bridge the gap between aspiration and attainment. Our passion is rooted in addressing the key barriers that stand between students and their dreams of higher education. We recognize that the challenges are multifaceted, and we have made it our mission to address them head-on. Firstly, we are dedicated to enhancing scholarship accessibility. The limited availability of scholarships should never hinder a student’s ability to access quality education. By increasing scholarship opportunities and supporting students in navigating these resources, we are breaking down financial barriers and empowering more students to fulfill their potential.

Secondly, we are committed to shaping early college funding strategies. We firmly believe that a proactive approach to college funding is essential. Through personalized guidance, we empower students to craft effective strategies that secure the financial aid they need from the outset. This proactive mindset not only reduces financial stress but also instills confidence in our students as they embark on their higher education journey. Lastly, we are unwavering in our resolve to bridge financial aid gaps throughout a student’s enrollment. Education is a continuous journey, and we understand that financial circumstances can change. Our commitment extends beyond enrollment, ensuring that students have the tools and support to navigate any unexpected financial challenges that may arise.

Looking Ahead

In the coming years, we envision TSA playing an even more transformative role in the lives of students. Through strategic partnerships, expansion of our programs, and harnessing technology for greater impact, we aim to reach more students than ever before. By amplifying the stories of those we serve and sharing their successes, we hope to inspire even broader support for our cause. In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to our supporters, partners, volunteers, and the entire TSA family. Your dedication and belief in our mission propel us forward. Together, we are reshaping the landscape of higher education, one student at a time. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey, and I look forward to what we will achieve together in the chapters ahead. With immense gratitude,

As we reflect on our achievements, Jessica Johnson we also acknowledge the road Executive Director ahead. The pursuit of educational The Scholarship Academy equity is not a destination but a continuous journey. Our commitment to growth, innovation, and collaboration remains steadfast. 5

DO YOU WANT TO GO TO COLLEGE?

“…you’re staring at a dream and the only thing between you and the dream is the money.” Ashley Thomas The Scholarship Academy, AmeriCorps Member

SPREADING THE WORD TO MAXIMIZE IMPACT

“It might have been the best information ever given to me about college. I really enjoyed the session and I feel a lot more prepared for my future. Great job!”

“If you think about the FAFSA, there’s over 100 possible questions on the form alone, and it can be intimidating”

- Tyler Freeman (MLK Jr. High School)

Jessica Johnson announced as a Changemaker for the @ Doritos SOLID BLACK and the @pepsico Foundation 7

THE SCHOLARSHIP ACADEMY MODEL: LEARN-DO-TRACK

We equip college advisors with the tools and resources to help students create 4-year college funding plans.

Our comprehensive financial aid intervention model is built on the notion of empowerment. We partner with schools and non-profits, providing them with unbiased guidance, tools, and best practices. Our goal is not only to make financial aid accessible but also to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their future. At the heart of our model is a three-pronged approach focusing on Learning, Doing, and Tracking. It's more than just a method—it's a commitment to change the narrative around financial aid.

Learning is the first step. We equip college advisors with the tools to help students create 4-5 year college funding pipelines.

Doing is where plans become actions.

We engage students in interactive financial aid immersion experiences, demystifying the process and equipping them with the knowledge they need to navigate the financial aid landscape confidently.

Finally, tracking ensures long-term success.

We monitor each student's progress, adjusting strategies as needed and celebrating milestones along the way. This continuous feedback loop keeps students motivated and accountable, setting them on a path to secure a stable future. The Scholarship Academy's intervention model addresses essential gaps in the current financial aid system. We don't just provide access—we empower students with the tools and confidence to chart their own course. Because when you empower a student, you're not just changing their life—you're transforming their future. Together, we can break down financial barriers and build bridges to opportunity—bridges that lead to prosperous futures, thriving communities, and a world of possibilities.

We don’t just provide access—we empower students with the tools and confidence to chart their own course. Because when you empower a student, you’re not just changing their life— you’re transforming their future. 9

VIRTUAL SCHOLARSHIP CENTER WEBSITE Discover the future of scholarship applications with The Scholarship Academy’s Virtual Scholarship Center (VSC). Our innovative platform uses technology to shatter barriers, streamline the process, and foster success for students, counselors, and scholarship providers.

The VSC flips the financial aid model with a local scholarship provider search feature that “invites” students to apply for their most eligible awards. The VSC transcends being a mere tool—it becomes a personal guide through the scholarship journey. Offering scholarship management, training, tracking, and access to a diverse scholarship applicant pool for local scholarship providers—all within one intuitive platform. The VSC is more than a game-changer for students alone. It arms counselors with comprehensive tools to guide their students effectively, and it presents scholarship providers with a rich, diverse candidate pool at their fingertips. Venture into the future of scholarship applications with the VSC. Witness the difference as students are connected with 4-year college funding pathways in ways never before seen.

Embrace the revolution— the future of scholarship applications begins here.

FAFSA

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a pivotal step for students seeking higher education. It’s not just about financial assistance— it’s the gateway to an affordable, even debt-free degree, and a catalyst for higher enrollment, persistence, and earning potential in postsecondary education. However, low-income students and those from Title I schools often grapple with barriers that hinder FAFSA completion, such as limited knowledge and counseling support.

Through our collaborative efforts in the 2021-2022 College Bound FAFSA initiative, we have made significant strides in supporting Title I schools and students. We have helped 9 Title I Schools navigate the FAFSA process, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to increase completion rates. As a result, with over 850 FAFSAs completed, these students have secured nearly $5.7 million in federal financial aid. This extraordinary accomplishment serves as a testament to the profound influence of our united efforts. We have not merely made an impact—we have empowered students, granting them access to unprecedented financial support. We are breaking down barriers and unlocking doors to postsecondary education, thus transforming the narrative around college affordability.

What Made This Work Unique Our 2- Day Cost of College Session/FAFSAAnd-A-Food Truck Initiative We know that many students in Title I Communities can view college as a barrier, rather than an opportunity. Our 2-Day “Cost of College” sessions help students break down the cost of college and make a meaningful connection to the value of the Federal Pell grant offered via the FAFSA application. We coupled our FAFSA Completion with a Food Truck Incentive that truly leveraged our whole-school impact. We are actively bridging the gap and making college affordability a reality. Our actions today are shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Over the next 3 years, we plan to add up to 10 additional Title I Schools in the Atlanta metro area, with an estimated 150002000 students impacted per year.

COLLEGE ACCESS HUB The Scholarship Academy is proud to introduce the College Access Hub, a groundbreaking initiative designed to revolutionize the journey to higher education for low-income and first-generation students. This dedicated space, located in Atlanta's West Midtown community, is more than a location—it’s a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change. The College Access Hub, equipped with a state-of-the-art computer lab and free college preparatory resources, is poised to foster a healthy financial aid culture within the community. With one-on-one support from 15 trained AmeriCorps members, students will receive personalized guidance to navigate the complex landscape of college access. But our reach extends beyond individual students success. One of the distinguishing features of the College Access Hub is its innovative training program. School counselors, community organizations, and corporate volunteers will have the opportunity to become Certified Scholarship Consultants. This certification equips these key influencers with the necessary tools and knowledge to guide students effectively in their scholarship journeys. The impact of the College Access Hub on Atlanta's West Side community cannot be overstated. The Hub is not just about providing resources—it’s about empowering students with the knowledge and skills they need to turn their college dreams into reality.

One of the distinguishing features of the College Access Hub is its innovative training program. School counselors, community organizations, and corporate volunteers will have the opportunity to become Certified Scholarship Consultants.

PROGRAM DATA

873 FAFSA

SUBMITTED

= $5.7 MILLION

IN FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID

50 FAFSA

WORKSHOPS

1700 STUDENTS SERVED

18 METRO

ATLANTA

HIGH SCHOOLS SERVED School 10 High Scholarship Pop Up Labs

UP 7 GEAR Georgia

College Pop Up Labs

Average Scholarship Academy student submitted three more scholarships than peers

FINANCIAL DATA REVENUES & SUPPORT Grant Revenue

$705,124

Individual Contributions & Gifts

$53,322

Program Revenue

$147,227

Total Revenues & Support

$905,673

78%

6% 16%

EXPENSES Programs & Services

$351,450

General & Administrative

$533,823

Total Expenses

$885,273

40% 60%

BOARD, STAFF, & SUPPORT

Funders & Supporters Annie Casey Foundation Apollo

Board of Directors 2023

Atlanta Foundation Atlanta Woman’s Club

Marc Hardy, Board Chair

Calvin Ward

CSM America President & CEO

Truist Bank Truist Bank Wealth Advisor

Stacey Mitchener

Kevin Artis Jr

City of Atlanta

Georgia Department of Law (GA Attorney General) Director, Lemon Law Mediation

5th Third Bank Vice President, Middle Market Relationship Mgr.

Doritos – Black Change Makers

Necolle Robinson

Lisa Lockman

BlackRock Retail – USWA RFP Team

Twilio Global Director, Leadership Development Taylor English Duma

Fulton County Community Services Program

Advisory Board

Staff

Linda Brown

Jessica Johnson

Wells Fargo Beverage Finance Administrative Assistant

James Hammond Ikon Filmworks, LLC Managing Partner

Executive Director

Virgil Murray

Betty & Davis Foundation Chick-Fil- A

Gear Up Georgia Georgia Department of Community Affairs – AmeriCorps Imlay Foundation Morehouse School of Medicine Patty and Don Ross Fund

VP of Operations

Roddenberry Foundation

Chris Mance

Synovus Bank

Chief Technology Officer

The Sartain Lanier Foundation

Laura Rackley

Lauren Wright

Client Success At SPH Analytics Vice President

Director of Programs

United Way of Metro Atlanta United Way of Southwest Georgia Wells Fargo

KEY PARTNERS

“Today was very helpful and reassuring. I feel like I have a much larger understanding of what FAFSA is and the steps I need to take to complete it.”

Michael Black Tri-Cities High School

“Reanna was great. She was very patient with us and calmly went through the FAFSA submission process for our senior, AND the renewal of the FAFSA for our college freshman. Yay!” Reanna Tran TSA AmeriCorps

EMPOWERING FUTURES, CHANGING LIVES 500 Bishop St NW, B-2 Atlanta, GA 30318 (470) 355-1732