This article is intended for individuals who want to know how the Georgia Promise Scholarship Program is monitored.
To ensure fairness and accountability, the Georgia Promise Scholarship Program has strict rules for audits and governance. Here’s what parents need to know about how the program is managed.
Why Are Audits Important?
Audits help make sure that:
- Scholarship funds are used correctly.
- Schools, service providers, and families follow program rules.
- Public funds are spent responsibly.
Who Conducts the Audits?
- The Georgia Education Savings Authority
- Conducts random audits of student accounts every year.
- Reviews participating schools and service providers to ensure compliance.
- The Department of Audits and Accounts
- Audits the Georgia Promise Scholarship Program annually.
- May conduct additional audits at any time.
What Happens During an Audit?
Audit reviews:
- How account funds are spent.
- Whether funds are used only for qualified education expenses.
- Parents, schools, and service providers compliance with all program rules.
If issues are found, the Authority may:
- Require corrective action to fix problems.
- Suspend or disqualify participants who misuse funds.
- Refer serious misuse cases to the Attorney General for investigation.
Governance and Annual Reports
The Georgia Education Savings Authority also prepares an annual report for the General Assembly and the public. This report includes:
- The number of participating students and schools.
- Student performance data (test scores, graduation rates, etc.).
- Feedback from parents about the program.
- The program’s financial impact on the state and school systems.
Why Is This Important for Parents?
These measures ensure that the Georgia Promise Scholarship Program is transparent and trustworthy, giving parents confidence that their children’s education is supported responsibly.