Our Mission

The Higher Foundation promotes post-secondary education by providing financial assistance to Georgia college students. Our main objective is to make a post-secondary education more attainable for Georgians from all walks of life, so they can go higher in their education and career. Our goal is to consistently increase the Georgia population with an associate’s degree or higher. We plan to reach our goal by helping Georgia college students cover their cost-of-living expenses with our need-based grants and merit-based scholarships. As we make a higher education more accessible, we aim to see every Georgian college educated and fulfilled in his or her career. 

View Our Impact

Our Causes

Financial Strain

Financial strain is the #1 cause of college dropout.

Resource Scarcity

Students need their basic life and college necessities to excel in their education and career.

Food Insecurity

Students need food to concentrate on their academic studies.

Housing Instability

Students need a safe and secure place to call home.

Healthcare Access

Students need to be healthy to excel in their education and career.

Career Advancement

Students need professional development to advance in their careers.

Our Purpose

Since May 2018, we have helped over 1,000 Georgia college students attain a higher education. Although we are proud of the impact we’ve made so far, we understand that we’ve barely moved the needle. Together as a state, we can provide financial assistance to many more Georgia college students and increase our Educational Attainment Rate.

42%

Lack of Parental Support

42% of University System of Georgia students did not receive financial support from their parents or guardians.

39%

Housing Instability

39% of University System of Georgia students were not able to manage their housing expenses.

37%

Food Insecurity

37% of University System of Georgia students did not have regular access to food and groceries.

40%

College Admission

40% of the Georgia population did not pursue a college education.

22%

College Retention

22% of the Georgia population started college but did not graduate.

38%

College Completion

38% of the Georgia population have at least an associate’s degree.

Data Sources: Educational Attainment in Georgia from 2017 – 2021 | The Need for Need-Based Aid

Higher Alum Testimonials

For privacy reasons, the Higher Students’ pictures here are for illustration purposes only.

The Higher Foundation Grant has helped me to buy some groceries that are good for me and help me to try to eat healthier as a college student.

Higher Alum, Valdosta State University

This assistance from the Higher Foundation has greatly assisted me as I began to take on more financial responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants such as this one can really ease the burden off students as they progress through college, and I am grateful for the grant and support that I have received from Higher. It’s truly amazing seeing the dedication and drive from the Higher Foundation to help students!

Higher Alum, Georgia Institute of Technology

Thanks to Higher Foundation, I was able to pay for my books that I needed for my classes. The back-to-college kit provided me with essential school supplies that I otherwise would have had to go without. Both of these services also aided me mentally by alleviating some of my stress concerning my finances as a college student.

Higher Alum, Agnes Scott College