The Georgia Education Savings Authority (GESA) is the governing entity with the responsibility to oversee the Georgia Promise Scholarship Program. The authority is responsible for making sure the program runs smoothly and serves families effectively. GESA is a companion entity to the Georgia Student Finance Commission. Here’s how they support parents, students, and schools.
Key Responsibilities of the Authority
Administer Scholarship Accounts
Process applications and approve eligible students, schools, and service providers.
Fund scholarship accounts on a quarterly basis.
Monitor accounts to ensure funds are used for qualified education expenses.
Set Program Rules and Guidelines
Develop and manage program regulations.
Publish application and enrollment dates by December 15 each year.
Define which expenses are eligible under the program.
Monitor and Audit
Conduct regular and random audits to prevent misuse of funds.
Address any issues of fraud or non-compliance.
Provide Support and Guidance
Help families understand program rules and requirements.
Offer resources for navigating testing, reporting, and account management.
Annual Reporting
Create a yearly report for the Georgia General Assembly and the public.
Include key data like:
Student performance (test scores, graduation rates, etc.).
Parent satisfaction.
The program’s financial impact on the state and public schools.