"The Porter" A Star Will Shine Scholarship

The Metro-Atlanta area has one of the starkest racial wealth income disparities in the United States. Research shows that the average white household in the region holds 46 times more wealth than the average Black household, while many Black families experience financial instability and limited generational assets. As a result, the cost of higher education can present a significant barrier for many African American students pursuing their academic goals.

This scholarship seeks to address the racial wealth gap by supporting students and ensuring that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of brilliance, creativity, or ambition.

Any African American or Black rising undergraduate student who completed high school or their GED in 2026 may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they are a resident of Metro Atlanta, specifically residing in one of the following counties: Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Cobb, Gwinnett, Douglas, or Henry County, Georgia. Beyond financial support, this scholarship seeks to affirm an important message: creativity and art belong in every space. Whether a student dreams of becoming a doctor, engineer, architect, entrepreneur, educator, artist, or filmmaker, innovation and imagination are tools that can transform industries and communities alike.

To apply, upload or link to a file that displays your answer to the question "How do you shine, and how can you use that to change the world?" We encourage applicants to think creatively and authentically when answering this question. Your response can take many forms and should reflect your passions, talents, and vision for impact.

For example: A future architect may submit a blueprint or design concept envisioning spaces that uplift Black communities, such as a modern-day Black Wall Street. A writer or storyteller may submit a spoken word piece, short film, or original creative work. An aspiring scientist, educator, entrepreneur, designer, innovator, etc. may present their ideas through visuals, presentations, creative projects, or written responses.

Additionally, write a short description about your file upload, and tell us what inspired the concept.