Thanks to a new partnership, help is on the way for some Middle Georgia State University (MGA) students who can’t quite cover their tuition and cost of academic supplies.  

MGA, the Middle Georgia Community Action Agency, and the Heart of Georgia Community Action Council have joined forces to provide crucial financial assistance to students in need.   

Students who live in the service areas of the two agencies and meet certain income guidelines can receive up to $1,000 each to assist with tuition, fees, and necessary academic supplies, including laptops and textbooks. This initiative will also help cover prior student balances for those re-enrolling in MGA. This partnership has already assisted 10 students this spring and the goal is to support many more leading up to the fall semester.  

“At Middle Georgia Community Action Agency, we are committed to empowering individuals and families by addressing immediate financial challenges and promoting long-term self-sufficiency," said Jennifer Floyd, community service director at Middle Georgia Community Action Agency. "This partnership with MGA allows us to remove financial barriers that might otherwise prevent students from reaching their full academic potential." 

“Sometimes we have students who face challenges continuing to work on their degrees because of financial issues, which are often due to reasons beyond their control,” said Dr. Stephen Schultheis, MGA’s vice president for Enrollment Management. “It’s amazing that a relatively small amount of financial assistance can ensure that a student stays on track, finishes a degree, and moves on to the professional workforce,” said Dr. Schultheis. “We are extremely grateful to these two agencies for making it possible for more students to realize their dreams and goals by earning a degree at MGA.”   

Students interested in applying for this financial assistance should contact MGA’s Office of Financial Aid to determine their eligibility. To qualify, students must reside in the service areas of the Middle Georgia Community Action Agency or the Heart of Georgia Community Action Council and meet specific income guidelines.