Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship Program after 18 Years: Benefits, Unintended Consequences, and Changes

Since its inception in 1993, Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship Program has provided thousands of state residents the opportunity to pursue a college education. This study examines the history and recent changes to the merit-based program along with interesting consequences resulting from its implementation. This study demonstrateshow the program has thrived and continues to grow because of its role in encouraging students to perform better academically in high school and by increasing enrollment at state institutions of higher education