General Directions:

• Review each scholarship group carefully to determine your eligibility.
• Indicate the Scholarship Group for which you are applying.
• Selection of a Scholarship Group makes you eligible for consideration for all scholarships within that group.
• Applicants may apply for up to two (2) Scholarship Groups.
• Upload a recent photograph (senior yearbook photo preferred).
• Application Deadline: March 15, 2026

 

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

(Applicable to all scholarships unless otherwise noted)

Applicants must:

• Be a current high school senior on track for graduation in the year of application.
• Be enrolled in a public, private, or charter high school located in Metro Atlanta.
• Have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 as verified by an official or unofficial school transcript.
• Be actively pursuing admission to an accredited college or university for the academic year immediately following high school graduation.
• Demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence, public service, and collaborative efforts that enhance the quality of life for others.

 

Notification & Award Requirements:
Scholarship recipients will be notified via email on April 12, 2026.
Recipients are required to attend the following FECDC events:

FECDC 2026 Pinnacle Leadership Awards Reception

Sunday, May 3, 2026

FECDC 2026 Pinnacle Leadership Awards Luncheon

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Both events will be held at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway Hotel.
Scholarship funds will be disbursed directly to the recipient’s college or university in August 2026.

Group A: Multiple Scholarships

Scholarship amount: $1,000.00 - $5,000.00

Group A scholarship requirements (in addition to the minimum scholarship requirements) must:

A written essay of 250 words or less that addresses both items below:

Explain how engaging in volunteer or community service has influenced your character and the valuable lessons you’ve gained from such experiences.

Share insights into a successful approach applied to tackle a personal challenge you’ve faced, detailing how this resilience will contribute to your success in college and beyond.

 

Group B: POTA ESTEL COSTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Scholarship Amount: $2,500.00

This scholarship has been established to honor and maintain the legacy of The Honorable Pota Estel Coston; the first African American female elected to the Fayette County Commission. Accordingly, the Pota Estel Coston Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, outstanding leadership skills, personal fortitude, superior collaborative and interpersonal skills, and a dedication to enhancing the quality of life for others

Group B scholarship requirements (in addition to the minimum scholarship requirements) must:

Must be an African American student who is a current resident of Fayette County, Georgia.

A written essay of 250 words or less that addresses both items below:

Explain how engaging in volunteer or community service has influenced your character and the valuable lessons you’ve gained from such experiences.

Share insights into a successful approach applied to tackle a personal challenge you’ve faced, detailing how this resilience will contribute to your success in college and beyond.
 

Group C: Barbara Bigelow Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Amount: (2) $1,000.00

The Barbara Bigelow Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to an African American female student interested in pursuing studies in pre-medicine or pre-law who demonstrates strong academic excellence and has a passion for serving others in her community.

Group C scholarship requirements (in addition to the minimum scholarship requirements) must:

Must be an African American female student who is a current resident of Fayette County, Georgia, or Fulton County, Georgia.

Plan to pursue studies in pre-medicine or pre-law.

A written essay of 250 words or less that addresses the following:

Explain your motivation for pursuing a pre-medical or pre-law path, identifying the factors shaping your interest. Discuss the influences that have guided your decision and elaborate on how a medical or legal career offers you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to your community.

 

Group D: Harvey Newton Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Amounts: $2,500.00

Group D scholarship requirements (in addition to the minimum scholarship requirements) must:

Must be an African American student.

Plan to pursue studies in business.

A written essay of 250 words or less that addresses the following:

Explain how engaging in volunteer or community service has influenced your character and the valuable lessons you’ve gained from such experiences.

Examine a successful approach that will aid you in establishing a business or seizing a business opportunity aimed at enhancing the well-being of others.
 

 

Group E:  P.A.M.M LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP

Scholarship Amount: To be determined by donor

Group E scholarship requirements (in addition to the minimum scholarship requirements) must:

An African American Female student who resides in a single-parent or single-guardian home.

A written essay of 250 words or less that addresses the following:

Explain how engaging in volunteer or community service has influenced your character and the valuable lessons you’ve gained from such experiences.

How has your experience of growing up in a single-parent or single guardian home shaped your perspective on education, resilience, and future goals?
 

 

I hereby certify that all information submitted in this application is true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I authorize the Fortitude Educational and Cultural Development Center, Inc. (FECDC, Inc.) to verify any information provided and to release relevant information to the donor(s) associated with the awarded scholarship(s), as necessary.

I understand that receipt of a scholarship award is contingent upon enrollment in an accredited college or university. I further understand that any falsification of information or failure to meet these requirements may result in the revocation of the scholarship award, and I may be required to return any scholarship funds already disbursed.

I grant FECDC, Inc. the right to use my biographical information, application materials, essay responses, and likeness (including photographs or images) to publicize my nomination and/or receipt of a scholarship award and to promote the mission and goals of FECDC, Inc. This permission includes use in print, digital, website, and other media for editorial, educational, promotional, or advertising purposes. Applicants under the age of 17 years old will recieve a parental release form.

I also consent to FECDC, Inc. retaining my application and all supporting documentation for its records.