College to Host 2nd Annual Black Scholars Recognition Program

The College of Coastal Georgia will be hosting the second annual Coastal Georgia Black Scholars Recognition Program to honor Black and African American high school juniors from the region. This year’s program will take place on Thursday, April 14, at 6 p.m. in the Southeast Georgia Conference Center.

The Black Scholars Recognition Program recognizes high school students nominated by their school counselor for their academic achievement, civic engagement, and leadership. Last year’s ceremony honored 76 students from 18 high schools in the coastal region. Honorees who then decide to enroll at the College after high school will receive a waived application fee, be given priority admission into the College, and be eligible to receive scholarships.

“These exceptional students have worked hard to be at the top of their class.  We are thrilled to have the opportunity to recognize and celebrate them for their achievements,” said Dr. Jason Umfress, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at the College.

“For a good many of these students and their families, this will be the first time they have been on our campus.  This program demonstrates our continued commitment to attracting a diverse, high-quality community of scholars and shows our honorees that the College is a vibrant and engaging academic environment in which they can thrive,” said Umfress. 

Enrolled scholars will also be given the opportunity to participate in the Black Scholars Program. The program provides young men and women the opportunity to grow as scholars, professionals, and leaders of their community. There will be mentorship opportunities, leadership training, curricular, and co-curricular support.

Quinton Staples, director of Diversity Initiatives at the College, shared why this recognition is important for Black high school students.

“These students are leaders in their community and are excelling academically. Most often, these students go unrecognized,” Staples said. “The Black Scholars Program lets students know that we see their hard work, celebrate them, and that we want students exactly like them to help build our diverse campus of scholars.”

Community members and leaders are invited to attend the event and show their support for students’ academic achievements.