Higher Education is Possible with Georgia Possible
Thursday, October 9th, 2025
Genesis Rodriguez-Hernandez, a 2025 Cedar Shoals High School graduate, arrived on the campus of Duke University this fall, supported by a full ride scholarship. She didn’t expect to have a fully funded college education, but Rodriguez-Hernandez’s support system and involvement encouraged her to take a risk and apply for the scholarship.
As a freshman, she joined Georgia Possible, a program created by the University of Georgia in partnership with the Clarke County School District designed to help high school students succeed academically. The program, which is facilitated by faculty at the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, a unit of UGA Public Service and Outreach, works to showcase the variety of postsecondary education and career options available beyond high school.
“Being a part of this program was very beneficial to me because I learned more about the local school system, what resources are available for me in the community and potential careers,” Rodriguez-Hernandez said.
Rodriguez-Hernandez will be the first in her family to pursue a four-year college degree. By participating in Georgia Possible, the program helped her and her family better understand and prepare for the college admissions process. In fact, she even brought one of her younger siblings along on her college visits.
“I hoped that bringing him with me would spark an interest in him to pursue a postsecondary education as well,” Rodriguez-Hernandez said.
Established in 2018 with support from the UGA Office of the President, Georgia Possible has proven to be a valuable resource for both students and their families. In addition to its emphasis on postsecondary education paths, the program provides tailored leadership development opportunities and mentoring. This program exposes youth to a variety of career paths and gives them the tools needed to pursue whatever comes next.
Thanks to the Bobbi Meeler Sahm Service and Outreach Award, Georgia Possible will take the current class to the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium on Skidaway Island to learn about marine education and career opportunities.
Georgia Possible’s comprehensive support encouraged Rodriguez-Hernandez to apply for a significant scholarship that required applicants to write an essay, research colleges, get teacher recommendations and go through multiple review rounds.
“During her years spent in Georgia Possible, Genesis embraced every opportunity to grow as a leader. She shifted from quietly leading to confidently sharing her voice and engaging with peers during activities that expanded her leadership skills and perspectives. Her journey reflects the heart of this program — developing the confidence, curiosity and character to succeed with dignity and purpose beyond high school,” said Jason Estep, public service associate in the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development.
Being in Georgia Possible taught her that she was able to adapt more than she initially thought she was able.
“I used to think I could only stay within my comfort zone because that is where I performed best,” she said. “However, through Georgia Possible, I realized that the more I branched out, more and more opportunities were presented to me. At the end of the day, going for it is better than doing nothing at all.”
In fact, this new perspective might have given her an advantage during her application process for the QuestBridge scholarship.
“When I was applying for the QuestBridge scholarship, they gave applicants the option to submit a video to the admissions team as a way for them to find out more about us outside of our academics. I almost submitted the application without it because I was afraid of messing up, but after some consideration, I decided to do it anyway,” she said.
Today, Rodriguez-Hernandez is on the pre-med track at Duke and is considering adding a minor in music with hopes of playing viola in their symphony.
“I want to become a pediatric dermatologist so I can help people the way I needed when I was growing up.”
