Georgia Tech has officially welcomed its largest-ever cohort of G. Wayne Clough Tech Promise Scholars, marking a significant milestone for the two-decade-old initiative. This fall, 118 first-year students joined the program, which is specifically designed to provide financial and programmatic support to talented Georgia students from limited-income households, ensuring they can graduate with a debt-free degree.
“What began nearly 20 years ago as an effort to expand access to Georgia Tech has grown into a close-knit community of scholars with a network of thoughtful campus support,” said Chaffee Viets, executive director of the Office of Scholar Programs. “Through the foundational work and continued support of campus partners and donors, we have made this program a space where students can truly thrive, and we’re excited to welcome more students than ever before.”
The program offers more than just financial relief. Scholars benefit from a robust support system that includes dedicated staff, peer mentors, and faculty guides who help them navigate the unique challenges of the collegiate transition. This year, the program introduced three new faculty guides—Gerandy Brito, Andy McNeil, and Emily Weigel—to support the incoming cohort. Notably, Weigel’s appointment is historic; she was an inaugural scholar when the program launched in 2007 and now serves as the first alumna to return to the initiative as a faculty mentor.
The new scholars began their journey on campus with an August orientation, followed by a late-September retreat at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center. The weekend provided an opportunity for team building, professional development, and community bonding.
For students like Fox Sharp, a first-year scholar from Fannin County, Georgia, the scholarship has been a transformative opportunity. Sharp, who is pursuing a degree in arts, entertainment, and creative technologies within the College of Design, aims to build a career in sports media. Her path to Georgia Tech was marked by rigorous high school involvement, from leading the Technology Student Association to juggling multiple jobs.
When Sharp received the notification that her tuition and college expenses would be covered by the Tech Promise program, her reaction was one of pure disbelief. “I remember getting the email while in class, and seeing my bill pretty much knocked out,” Sharp said. “It’s easier to believe now that I’m on campus and meeting people in the same boat as me.”
As the program approaches its 20th anniversary next year, it continues to serve as a cornerstone of Georgia Tech’s commitment to accessibility. The program is funded through the “Transforming Tomorrow” campaign, which relies on the continued generosity of alumni and donors.
In-state applicants are automatically considered for the scholarship based on financial aid eligibility. Prospective students for the next academic year are encouraged to submit their financial aid forms by the January 31, 2027 deadline.
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