Grambling State University awarded $720,081.84 in donor-funded and GAP scholarships to 594 students during the Fall 2025 semester, marking a record-setting milestone in student support. The total reflects a 169% increase in funding compared to Spring 2025, when $267,968 in donor-funded scholarships were awarded. In all, 656 awards were made this semester, including $516,654.74 in endowed donor scholarships and $203,427.10 from the GAP Scholarship Fund.
The GAP Fund alone accounted for nearly one-third of the total awarded this semester, underscoring the program’s critical role in helping students overcome financial barriers and persist toward graduation.
“The generosity of our investors continues to change lives and strengthen our institution,” said Grambling State President Martin Lemelle, Jr. “By expanding access to higher education, we are not only helping individual students succeed — we are shaping the future workforce, enriching communities, and sustaining Grambling State’s legacy of excellence. These scholarships ensure that talented students can walk boldly into their purpose without being limited by financial barriers.”
“Every endowed scholarship represents more than a financial award — it’s an investment in the promise of our students,” said Brandon A. Logan, Vice President for University Advancement and Innovation. “With over 95 percent of our students relying on aid and nearly half being first-generation, these resources fuel not just academic progress but economic mobility. Our goal remains clear: to be the #1 HBCU for social and economic mobility, and these results show the power of collective investment in making that vision a reality.”
For many recipients, the awards represent more than financial assistance — they symbolize encouragement, recognition, and opportunity.
“I am truly honored and deeply grateful to have been selected as one of the recipients of the SGA Centennial Campaign Endowed Scholarship,” said DeAngelo Williams, a sophomore Biology major and first-generation student. “This recognition means so much to me … Knowing that you believe in my potential gives me even greater drive to keep striving for excellence, to lead with purpose, and to represent the true spirit of GSU in every step I take.”
“When I first saw that I was awarded the Miechelle O. Willis Endowed Student Athletic Scholarship for women athletes, I was honestly shocked and overjoyed,” said Paityn Neely, a sophomore Pre-Nursing major. “It felt like all my hard work was being recognized … This scholarship inspires me to keep pushing myself on the track and in the classroom even when no one is watching.”
“Receiving the Georgia Harris Endowed Memorial Student Scholarship has been such a blessing, and I am truly honored to be a recipient,” said Jelia Williams, a senior Cybersecurity major. “This scholarship has motivated me to continue striving for excellence … I am deeply grateful for this investment in my future and committed to making the most of this opportunity.”
“Receiving the Edwards-Gayfield iNeed Scholarship helped me relieve financial stress because I didn’t have to carry the burden of paying fees on my own and allows me, as an international Pre-Nursing major, to focus fully on getting into nursing school and maintaining my 4.0 GPA,” said Kosisochi Edokwe, a sophomore international student and Cybersecurity major. “The iPad I received has also helped me stay organized and take notes more efficiently, further supporting my academic journey. I am truly grateful for this opportunity, and I thank the scholarship donors and the Grambling State University Foundation for their support.”
As Grambling State continues to break barriers and expand access to education, the support of investors remains crucial. Every gift — whether establishing a new endowment, contributing to an existing scholarship, or making an annual commitment — fuels student potential and strengthens Grambling State University’s institutional excellence.
To learn more about how donor-funded scholarships and endowments are transforming lives, visit gram.edu/endowments.
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