The Gates Scholarship, renowned for its rigor and prestige, has announced Baldwin High School Salutatorian Kiersten Smith as one of its distinguished 2024 Gates Scholars. The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is highly selective. Out of an impressive pool of 53,000 applicants, only 750 scholars were selected nationwide, making this achievement a testament to Smith's exceptional academic and leadership qualities.
Smith's selection for the Gates Scholarship underscores her remarkable achievements and potential. As a Gates Scholar, she joins an elite cohort of individuals recognized for their commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and community service.
The Gates Scholarship, established by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is renowned for its comprehensive support. The scholarship is awarded to exceptional student leaders with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential. It covers tuition, fees, room, board, books, transportation, and additional personal costs for four years. This unparalleled financial backing empowers scholars like Smith to pursue their academic and professional aspirations without financial constraints.
"Being named a Gates Scholar is an extraordinary honor," said BCSD Superintendent Dr. Noris Price, "We have had the honor of having a Gates Scholarship recipient for two years in a row now, and Kiersten's selection reflects not only her outstanding academic achievements but also her dedication to making a positive impact in her community. We are immensely proud of her accomplishments."
Smith's achievement adds to the legacy of excellence at the Georgia College Early College program, further solidifying its reputation as a hub for academic brilliance and leadership development. She plans to attend Spelman College. Please join us in congratulating Kiersten Smith on this remarkable accomplishment and wishing her continued success in her academic journey.