Deal developing need-based college scholarship

ATLANTA - Poor students in Georgia may soon get some help in paying for college.

Gov. Nathan Deal is working on a plan for a need-based scholarship program that would start with middle school students in hopes of encouraging them to finish high school and enroll in college. Erin Hames, Deal's deputy chief of staff for policy, said Tuesday that if the students would get mentors and would have to sign contracts that they will stay out of trouble.

She said the scholarships will be funded by corporate sponsors. Hames said the state is looking at existing models already in place in the Cartersville school district and in Florida.

Hames said a formal announcement is expected in January. The state has been working to make college more affordable for lower-income families.