Research shows that students with even small savings accounts are 4X more likely to graduate from high school.
That’s why Marietta City Schools is establishing the Be Somebody Savings Program with the Cobb Community Foundation. It is our hope that this program will help boost graduation rates, empower students, and make financial literacy and preparedness part of their educational journey.
This incentive program is available to students at Marietta High School, who must meet certain annual checkpoints in grades 9-12. In return, the Cobb Community Foundation will grant up to $1,000 to each qualifying student upon graduation.
These funds are intended to assist with college or career expenses. Funding for the Be Somebody Savings Program comes from donations to the PEACH Education Tax Credit program and direct contributions to the Cobb Community Foundation (CCF).
How the program works
Students at Marietta High School can earn $250 per year, beginning in 9th grade, by completing a series of checkpoints—up to $1,000 total by graduation.
Checkpoints by Grade:
- Freshman Year: Completion of YouScience assessment, follow-up session, and entrance questionnaire
- Sophomore Year: Completion of MYP Service and Personal Project
- Junior Year: Completion of an approved financial literacy course
- Senior Year: Completion of FAFSA and one college advising workshop
or Completion of ASVAB and one CCA Lunch & Learn, plus exit questionnaire
Checkpoints are subject to change; students will be notified of checkpoints each year.
Students are automatically enrolled upon entering Marietta High School—even if it’s as late as senior year.
FAQs
How does a student enroll in the Be Somebody Savings Program?
Every student is automatically enrolled in this program upon enrollment at Marietta High School, no matter the year of enrollment. If a student enrolls during senior year, they are still eligible to complete the senior year checkpoint and earn $250. Staff at Marietta High School and Marietta City Schools Central Office will monitor students’ qualifications for participation in the program. An alternative list of checkpoints will be provided for students enrolled in Marietta High School’s Alternate Content Program. Students will need to sign a FERPA Release for Information Sharing in order to receive their funds from the CCF.
What disqualifies a student from receiving funds from the Be Somebody Savings Program?
If a student leaves the district before graduation, funds will not be given to the student, even if they have completed some of the checkpoints. Students also must meet annual academic, attendance, and behavioral expectations in order to be eligible to receive these funds.
How and when will the Be Somebody Savings Program funds be distributed?
Every qualified student will receive their funds within five days of graduation, via a check from Cobb Community Foundation (CCF). Students will be encouraged to open accounts with financial institutions in which to deposit these funds.
What if my child does not need these funds or does not want to participate in this program?
While we encourage every student to accept their hard-earned Be Somebody funds, any student who doesn’t feel they need the funds for college or career can donate them back to the program to be given to future graduates.
How you can support the program
🔗 1. Contribute through the PEACH Education Tax Credit
When you donate through the Georgia PEACH Education Tax Credit Program, you receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on your Georgia state income taxes—and your gift directly supports students’ futures. It’s a win-win! Note: You will need to select “Marietta City Schools” from the drop-down menu.
🔗 2. Give through Cobb Community Foundation
Visit this link to give through CCF. Whether it’s a one-time donation, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA, or a gift of appreciated securities, every dollar makes a difference. You can even include the fund in your estate planning and help students long after you’re gone.
