DULUTH, Ga. – The African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) and the Georgia United Credit Union Foundation have announced the Dr. James Williams HBCU Scholarship, which honors Georgia United’s first African American board member.
According to the two organizations, the initiative aims to support the academic pursuits of students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by providing two $2,500 scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year.
“Georgia United Credit Union Foundation is committed to supporting schools, education and financial education, so partnering with AACUC to establish a new scholarship program to help create a pathway of success for students pursuing higher education at an HBCU has a long been a dream of ours,” Debbie Smith, president of the Georgia United Foundation, said in a statement. “Naming the scholarship after our beloved board director Dr. James Williams makes this venture even more meaningful. Dr. James Williams is an exceptional man, and we look forward to recognizing an exceptional student with this scholarship.”
Distinguished Career
The credit union said Williams has had a distinguished career in education, serving as the former deputy superintendent for administration of DeKalb County Schools. He has also held positions as a teacher, principal and area director in the DeKalb County School System. Williams completed his undergraduate studies at Alabama State University, earned his master's and Ed.S. degrees from Georgia State University and received his Doctorate from Clark Atlanta University.
A member of Georgia United Credit Union since 1971, Williams was elected to the board in 1997 and has served in various roles, including vice chair, secretary and as a member of the credit committee and asset and liability committee.
The Founding Pillars
The AACU said scholarship – along with mentorship and internship – are founding pillars for the organization in its pursuit to advance communities and professionals of color, close the racial wealth gap and build financial inclusion.
The Dr. James Williams HBCU Scholarship is the first AACUC scholarship to directly benefit an HBCU student.
“Now more than ever it is important for us to advocate for higher education for our young people, and HBCUs are uniquely equipped to give them an educational opportunity where students, faculty and alumni look like them and reflect their values,” Renée Sattiewhite, AACUC president/CEO, said in a statement. “We’re grateful to our Chairman’s Circle Partner GUCU for having the foresight and eagerness to bring this scholarship to life with us.”
Eligibility
According to the AACUC, applicants:
- Must be enrolled as full-time sophomores, juniors, or seniors at accredited HBCUs to be eligible.
- Must complete a questionnaire, an essay, one reference letter and a copy of an unofficial transcript.
- Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
For info: www.aacuc.org