Myla Williams
Name: Myla Williams
High School: Carver Early College (Atlanta Public Schools)
College (Current or Future): Georgia State University
Major/Intended Major: Law
Financial Aid Program: REACH Georgia, Dual Enrollment, Zell Miller Scholarship
From an early age, Myla Williams was certain of her future.
“I’ve always known I was going to go to school to become a lawyer,” said Williams, a graduate from Atlanta Public Schools. “I knew I was going to go to college since the third grade, but once I got into middle school and started looked at how much college costs, I knew my family and I couldn’t come out of pocket for this.”
Luckily for Williams, the REACH Georgia program has been involved in her education since middle school. A need-based scholarship program, REACH also provides promising students with mentors and academic coaches to ensure scholars succeed.
“I was very close with (Atlanta Public Schools' College and Career Readiness Coordinator) Dr. (Kenya) Gilliard,” said Williams. "She used to always come up to my school and check on all the REACH scholars. When I couldn’t get into contact with someone, she was always one call away.
"The biggest help was always knowing there was someone who had my back. If I wasn’t a REACH Scholar, I probably would not have been able to make that connection.”
Williams connected and currently attends Georgia State University (GSU) as a Zell Miller Scholarship winner.
“It has definitely taken away the stress of worrying about paying for school,” said Williams, who entered as a sophomore thanks to credits earned in high school through Dual Enrollment. “I don’t have to come out of pocket for anything. It allows me to focus on school because all my finances are covered.”
All her focus isn’t just on school. Williams reciprocates the assistance she received by serving in GSU’s Panther Elite mentorship program. She also sits on the GSU Student Services Committee and volunteers with the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation as a legal assistant.
“If I had to work, I wouldn’t be as involved. During the times when I would be working, I’m able to volunteer, build connections and attend office hours,” said Williams. “Having a flexible schedule and getting that extra help has definitely helped me succeed and is a privilege I take advantage of.”
