Stacey Evans, democratic candidate in Georgia’s gubernatorial race, recently spoke at a JEEPAC event. One of Evans’ major initiatives aims to bring back the hope in the HOPE scholarship, a unique scholarship and grant program that rewards students with financial assistance at eligible Georgia public and private colleges and universities. Changes to the program’s eligibility standards have drastically impacted working class families.
“I own a small business, a law firm,” said Evans. “I couldn’t have done that if I hadn’t had that one access point. The HOPE scholarship has changed. The criteria was changed in 2011, so much that these were the results: 97% of African-American high school students lost access to full tuition HOPE scholarships. I said that right – 97%. 40,000 students left our technical colleges. That’s nearly a quarter of the student body population.”
Evans continues to fight for legislation that will help give equal access to voting, scholarships and job opportunities to even the playing field for everyone. Endorsed by Senator Vince Forte, Evans has a progressive record on voting rights and restoring the HOPE scholarship.
We hope you will consider making a donation to JEEPAC to support Stacey Evans’ race for governor.