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Brandon Pruitt

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Finalist

Bio

My name is Brandon Pruitt, and I am a Finance major at North Carolina A&T State University. I am passionate about leadership, professional development, and creating opportunities for myself and others. On campus, I serve as Treasurer of the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Vice President of Finance for the Residence Hall Association. These roles have strengthened my leadership, financial management, and teamwork skills while allowing me to make a meaningful impact on the student body. Professionally, I have gained experience through internships in commercial real estate and finance, where I have worked on investment analysis, development projects, and financial modeling. Outside of school, I am also a golf content creator, sharing my passion for the game with a growing audience across social media. My goal is to build a successful career in finance while continuing to lead, serve my community, and create opportunities for future generations.

Education

North Carolina A & T State University

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2028
  • Majors:
    • Finance and Financial Management Services

Heritage High School

High School
2020 - 2024

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      • Financial Services
    • Dream career goals:

    • Real Estate Salesperson

      Trend Atlanta Realty
      2025 – Present1 year
    • IT/Accounting Intern

      The Accounting Cure
      2024 – 20251 year
    • Investments and Development Intern

      RLCold
      2026 – Present7 months

    Sports

    Football

    Varsity
    2022 – 20242 years

    Awards

    • All Region 1st Team

    Basketball

    Varsity
    2021 – 20243 years

    Awards

    • All Region 2nd Team

    Golf

    Varsity
    2022 – Present4 years

    Awards

    • County Champion

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Beta Epsilon Chapter North Carolina A&T State University — Treasurer of Beta Epsilon Chapter; active member supporting service initiatives, campus engagement, and mentorship programs for students.
      2026 – Present

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Veterans Next Generation Scholarship
    Being the son of a U.S. Army Colonel has shaped the way I understand discipline, leadership, and responsibility from an early age. My father has been one of the most influential figures in my life, not only because of his service to the country, but because of the way he carries himself in every environment. Watching him lead soldiers, make decisions under pressure, and hold himself to a high standard showed me what true leadership looks like in action. Growing up in a military family meant constant movement and adjustment to new places and people. Through that experience, I learned how to adapt quickly, communicate with different types of people, and carry myself with confidence in unfamiliar environments. Those lessons have followed me into college and continue to shape how I approach both academics and leadership roles. One of the most meaningful things my father introduced me to was golf. At first, it was simply a game we shared, but over time it became much more than that. Golf taught me patience, discipline, and accountability in a way that directly connects to how I approach life. It also became a space where I learned from him beyond the parent-child relationship. Through golf, he also introduced me to networking, relationship-building, and how to carry yourself professionally in different environments. Seeing my father lead throughout his military career also influenced how I view service. He has always emphasized that leadership is not about authority, but about responsibility to others. That mindset has stayed with me as I have taken on leadership roles of my own in college. At North Carolina A&T State University, I have continued developing those same values. I currently serve as Treasurer of the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Vice President of Finance for the Residence Hall Association. In these roles, I have learned how to manage responsibility, support others, and contribute to organizations larger than myself. I have also learned that leadership requires consistency and accountability, not just in moments of success, but every day. My career aspirations in finance and commercial real estate are also rooted in the lessons I learned from my father. In the military, decisions carry weight and impact many people, and I see similarities in the financial world where decisions can shape businesses, communities, and long-term outcomes. I want to build a career where I can make responsible, informed decisions while maintaining integrity and professionalism. Being the child of a veteran has taught me that service is a lifelong mindset. It has shaped how I lead, how I work, and how I treat others. My goal is to carry those values forward in my career and continue building a life defined by discipline, purpose, and impact.
    Arthur and Elana Panos Scholarship
    Faith has always been a steady part of my life, even when everything else around me has changed. As the son of an Army Colonel, I grew up moving from place to place, adjusting to new schools, new environments, and new people. Through all of that, prayer and faith became something consistent that helped me stay grounded. I pray regularly on my own and with my family, especially when I am asking for guidance about my future and trying to make the right decisions in moments of uncertainty. Over time, I have learned to rely on faith not just in difficult moments, but in my daily approach to life. It has shaped the way I carry myself in school, in leadership roles, and in relationships with others. My faith reminds me that success is not only about achievement, but also about character, integrity, and how you treat people along the way. At North Carolina A&T State University, I have been challenged academically and personally, but my faith has helped me stay focused on my purpose. Whether I am managing responsibilities as Treasurer of the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., serving as Vice President of Finance for the Residence Hall Association, or working through the demands of my finance coursework, I try to approach everything with discipline and intention. I believe my actions reflect not only my goals, but also the values I have been raised with. My faith also influences how I think about my future career. I am pursuing a path in finance and commercial real estate, fields that require trust, responsibility, and ethical decision-making. In environments where money, investments, and long-term decisions impact people’s lives, I believe it is important to operate with integrity and a sense of accountability beyond yourself. My faith reminds me that success should never come at the expense of doing what is right. One of my long-term goals is to build a career that allows me to create opportunities for others while maintaining those same values. I want to be someone who is trusted not only for my knowledge and work ethic, but also for my character. I also hope to continue using my platform as a student leader and golf content creator to positively influence others and encourage them to pursue their goals with confidence and purpose. There are still many moments where I find myself asking God for direction, especially when I am thinking about major decisions in my academic and professional journey. In those moments, my faith gives me peace even when I do not have all the answers. It reminds me to stay patient, stay disciplined, and trust that my efforts will lead me in the right direction. Ultimately, my faith is the foundation that keeps me grounded while I continue building my future. It has shaped who I am, and it will continue to guide me as I grow into the professional and person I aspire to become.
    Stephan L. Daniels Lift As We Climb Scholarship
    My interest in STEM started before I ever fully understood what it meant. I originally entered North Carolina A&T State University as a Computer Science major because I was drawn to problem-solving, technology, and the idea of building systems that could impact the way people live and work. Coming to an HBCU where Black students are underrepresented in STEM fields made that decision feel even more meaningful, because I understood early that representation in these spaces matters. As I progressed through my studies, I ultimately transitioned into Finance. While my major changed, my appreciation for STEM did not. In fact, my time in a STEM environment at North Carolina A&T showed me how closely technology, data, and finance are connected in today’s world. Whether it is financial modeling, data analysis, or the systems that drive modern business decisions, STEM thinking is embedded in everything I hope to do professionally. Being at an HBCU has also made me more aware of the broader disparities in STEM participation. I have seen firsthand how important it is for Black students to not only enter these fields but to be supported, encouraged, and exposed to the opportunities within them. Too often, students are capable of excelling in STEM but are never given the proper exposure, mentorship, or resources to pursue those paths. One of my long-term goals is to help change that. I plan to use my education in both finance and my foundational experience in STEM to help create programs and pipelines that introduce young Black students to STEM and financial literacy early in their academic journeys. My goal is to build initiatives that connect students to mentorship, technical exposure, and practical knowledge in fields like technology, data, and finance. I want to help students see these fields not as distant or inaccessible, but as realistic and achievable paths. In addition to academic knowledge, I bring a unique perspective as someone who has navigated both STEM and finance coursework, while also being actively involved in leadership roles on campus. I currently serve as Treasurer of the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Vice President of Finance for the Residence Hall Association. These roles have strengthened my understanding of responsibility, organization, and service to others. Outside of academics, I also run a growing golf content platform that has allowed me to reach over 12,000 people. Through that platform, I have learned how powerful communication and storytelling can be in influencing and inspiring others. I plan to use those same skills to promote STEM awareness and financial education within my community. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to increasing representation in STEM by helping build pathways that prepare and encourage more Black students to pursue these fields. I want my education to be more than personal achievement—I want it to be a tool for access, opportunity, and long-term impact in my community. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue my education at North Carolina A&T without being limited by financial stress, and it would support my broader mission of using my experiences in STEM, finance, and leadership to create opportunities for others who come after me.
    Stephan L. Wolley Memorial Scholarship
    For much of my life, I thought football would define my future. I played linebacker throughout high school, served as a team captain, and was fortunate to receive Division II offers while drawing interest from Division I programs. Football taught me discipline, accountability, and how to lead others toward a common goal. More importantly, it taught me how to persevere through adversity and continue working toward a goal even when the path is uncertain. I come from a family that values hard work, faith, and service. As the son of an Army Colonel, I grew up in a household where discipline and character were expected, not optional. My parents taught me that success is earned through consistency, preparation, and treating others with respect. Those lessons continue to guide me today as a student, leader, and athlete. After graduating from Heritage High School, I enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University, where I am currently pursuing a degree in Finance. My goal is to build a career in finance and commercial real estate while creating opportunities for others through mentorship and community involvement. Throughout college, I have worked to maximize every opportunity available to me. I currently serve as Treasurer of the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Vice President of Finance for the Residence Hall Association, roles that have strengthened my leadership and responsibility. While football was my first passion, golf has become one of the most influential parts of my life. The game challenged me in ways that football never did. Golf demands patience, self-discipline, and the ability to hold yourself accountable for every result. Through golf, I have developed relationships, expanded my network, and discovered opportunities that I never expected. What started as a personal passion has grown into something much larger. I have built a golf content platform with more than 12,000 followers across social media, where I share my experiences in the game and connect with golfers from around the country. As an African American golfer, I take pride in showing young people who look like me that they belong in the sport. I hope to inspire more young Black athletes to explore golf and take advantage of the opportunities it can create both on and off the course. My future plans are centered on leadership, service, and impact. Professionally, I hope to build a successful career in finance while continuing to grow my golf platform and use it to positively influence others. Personally, I want to remain involved in mentorship and community engagement, helping young people recognize their potential and pursue opportunities they may not have previously considered. This scholarship would help reduce the financial burden of earning my degree and allow me to continue pursuing my academic, professional, and personal goals. More importantly, it would support my efforts to honor the values of hard work, competition, family, and faith that have shaped my journey thus far. I am committed to making a meaningful impact in my community and using every opportunity I receive to help create opportunities for others.
    Treye Knorr Memorial Scholarship
    One of the lessons I learned growing up as the son of an Army Colonel is that success is earned through discipline, consistency, and character. My parents taught me that how you treat people and what you do when no one is watching matters just as much as any accomplishment. Those lessons have shaped the person I am today and the man I hope to become in the future. I am currently a Finance major at North Carolina A&T State University, where I strive to make the most of every opportunity available to me. Throughout college, I have challenged myself both academically and as a leader. I serve as Treasurer of the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Vice President of Finance for the Residence Hall Association. These positions have allowed me to serve my peers, manage responsibilities that affect others, and develop skills that will help me throughout my career. One of the decisions I am most proud of is becoming the first person in my family to join a fraternity. I was drawn to Alpha Phi Alpha because of its legacy of leadership, scholarship, and service. Since joining, I have been surrounded by men who challenge one another to be better students, leaders, and members of the community. That experience has strengthened my commitment to serving others and leading with integrity. Outside of campus leadership, I have built a golf content platform that reaches more than 12,000 people across social media. What began as a hobby has become an opportunity to inspire others and share my passion for a sport that has changed my life. As an African American golfer, I hope to encourage more young Black students to see themselves in the game and understand the opportunities golf can provide through relationships, education, and personal growth. My long-term goal is to build a career in finance and commercial real estate while continuing to mentor and invest in others. I want to help people make informed financial decisions, create opportunities within underserved communities, and use my success to open doors for those who come after me. I believe true success is not measured only by personal achievement but by the impact you have on others. One of my greatest strengths is my determination. When I commit to a goal, I work relentlessly to achieve it. At the same time, one of my weaknesses is that I can be a perfectionist. I often place high expectations on myself and sometimes spend too much time trying to make something perfect rather than simply making progress. Over time, I have learned that growth comes from consistency, not perfection. Learning to embrace mistakes and continue moving forward has helped me become a better student, leader, and person. This scholarship would help relieve the financial burden of pursuing my education and allow me to continue focusing on academics, leadership, and professional development opportunities. More importantly, it would help me continue building the future I envision for myself—one centered on service, leadership, faith, and creating opportunities for others. Although Treye Knorr never had the opportunity to pursue his own dreams, this scholarship continues his legacy by helping young men pursue theirs. If selected, I would honor that legacy by continuing to lead with character, serve my community, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
    Tia Lukeya Woods from Books Pages to Boarding Passes Scholarship
    My passport sits in a drawer with no stamps in it. For most of my life, that felt ironic. As the son of an Army Colonel, I grew up moving from place to place and experiencing different communities across the United States. From New York to Florida and many places in between, I learned how to adapt to new environments, meet new people, and appreciate different perspectives. Those experiences taught me that where you grow up shapes how you see the world. Yet despite all the moving, I have never had the opportunity to travel internationally and experience life beyond the borders of the United States. Much of my desire to do so comes from watching my older sister. She attended Spelman College, studied international affairs, participated in a study abroad program at the University of Ghana, and later completed a fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University in Australia. Growing up, I listened to her stories about meeting people from different cultures, learning new perspectives, and challenging assumptions she once held. Her experiences showed me that education is not limited to a classroom. Some of the most valuable lessons come from stepping into unfamiliar places and learning directly from the people around you. Today, I am a Finance major at North Carolina A&T State University. While my coursework has strengthened my understanding of business and financial systems, I know that the world I hope to work in extends far beyond the United States. Finance, real estate, and business are increasingly global industries. Understanding how people live, work, and think in different parts of the world would not only make me a stronger professional but also a more thoughtful and informed person. As a student leader, I am constantly looking for opportunities to grow. I serve as Treasurer of the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Vice President of Finance for the Residence Hall Association. Outside of campus leadership, I have also built a golf content platform that connects me with thousands of people across the country. Through each of these experiences, I have learned that growth happens when you are willing to step outside of your comfort zone and engage with people whose experiences differ from your own. Unfortunately, financial realities often create barriers to opportunities like study abroad and educational travel. Like many college students, I work hard to balance academics, leadership responsibilities, and the cost of earning a degree. While I have always been interested in international experiences, the financial burden associated with them has made those opportunities difficult to pursue. This scholarship would help turn curiosity into action. It would bring me one step closer to experiencing the type of global learning that inspired me through my sister's journey and allow me to expand my perspective in ways that cannot be taught through textbooks alone. More importantly, it would help me continue the lifelong pursuit of learning that Tia Lukeya Woods embodied. My father's military service taught me to embrace change. My sister's experiences showed me the value of seeing the world firsthand. My goal is to combine those lessons by continuing to learn, explore, and grow beyond the borders I have always known. I may not have any stamps in my passport today, but I hope that won't be true for much longer.
    ESOF Academic Scholarship
    When I arrived at North Carolina A&T State University, I was looking for an education that would prepare me for a successful career. What I found was much more than that. I found a community that challenged me to lead, serve, and think bigger about the impact I want to have on others. I am currently a Finance major at North Carolina A&T State University with aspirations of building a career in finance and commercial real estate. My goal is to help individuals and businesses create wealth, make informed financial decisions, and build opportunities that can last for generations. I am especially passionate about increasing access to financial knowledge and professional opportunities for communities that have historically been underserved. One of the most influential experiences of my college career has been becoming a member of the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. No one in my family had ever joined a fraternity, so I became the first. I was drawn to Alpha because of its history of leadership, scholarship, and service. Since becoming a brother, I have witnessed firsthand the impact that dedicated student leaders can have on a campus and community. The brothers of Beta Epsilon are involved across North Carolina A&T in leadership, mentorship, service, and professional development. Being surrounded by men who consistently strive for excellence has pushed me to become a better student, leader, and servant. Today, I have the privilege of serving as Treasurer of the chapter, where I help manage resources that support our programs and initiatives. I also serve as Vice President of Finance for the Residence Hall Association. Through these roles, I have learned that leadership is not about titles but about creating opportunities for others and leaving organizations better than you found them. My commitment to public service extends beyond campus leadership. One of the most meaningful ways I hope to make an impact is through the game of golf. As a golf content creator with more than 12,000 followers across social media, I have built a platform that allows me to share my experiences with thousands of people. While many view golf simply as a sport, I have seen how it can create opportunities, build relationships, and open doors professionally. As an African American golfer, I understand that many young Black students do not see themselves represented in the game. Through my content, I strive to make golf feel more accessible and encourage young people to explore opportunities they may not have considered before. Whether it is introducing someone to the game, sharing my journey as a student at an HBCU, or highlighting the connections and opportunities golf can provide, I want to use my platform to inspire others and help diversify the sport for future generations. My experiences at North Carolina A&T and in Alpha Phi Alpha have reinforced my belief that success comes with a responsibility to serve others. As I pursue a career in finance, I hope to combine professional success with mentorship, financial education, and community impact. Receiving this scholarship would help ease the financial burden of college and allow me to continue investing my time and energy into leadership, service, and academic excellence. I am proud to attend an HBCU, proud to be a brother of Alpha Phi Alpha, and committed to using the opportunities I have been given to create opportunities for others. My goal is not only to achieve success, but to make sure I bring others with me along the way.
    SIA Financial Planning Scholarship
    A few months ago, I found myself doing something that many families across the country do every day: trying to figure out how to pay for college. Despite maintaining a strong GPA, earning leadership positions, and securing internships, I was still faced with a significant financial gap. That experience reinforced something I already believed: financial knowledge and access to good advice can completely change a person's future. I am currently a Finance major at North Carolina A&T State University with a passion for helping people make informed financial decisions. My interest in finance began with understanding how money, investing, and business decisions shape opportunities for individuals and communities. Over time, that interest grew into a desire to pursue a career where I can help others build wealth, achieve their goals, and create financial stability for future generations. At North Carolina A&T, I have pursued opportunities that have allowed me to develop both professionally and personally. I currently serve as Treasurer of the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Vice President of Finance for the Residence Hall Association. These positions have strengthened my understanding of financial responsibility, budgeting, and leadership while allowing me to serve my peers. Professionally, I am gaining experience through a commercial real estate investments and development internship, where I analyze projects, review financial information, and support investment decisions. These experiences have shown me how important sound financial planning is at every level, from individual households to large organizations. Beyond academics and internships, I have built a golf content platform that has connected me with thousands of golfers across the country. Through creating content and developing relationships with brands, I have gained firsthand experience in marketing, entrepreneurship, and personal branding. More importantly, it has shown me how powerful relationships and mentorship can be in creating opportunities. One area where I believe the financial system can improve is accessibility. Many people are never taught basic financial concepts such as budgeting, investing, debt management, or retirement planning. As a result, they often make major financial decisions without the knowledge needed to achieve the best outcomes. I hope to be part of the solution by helping make financial education and advisory services more accessible, particularly for young professionals, students, and underserved communities. My goal is to build a career in finance where I can combine technical knowledge with a genuine commitment to helping others. Receiving this scholarship would help ease the financial burden of college and allow me to continue pursuing opportunities that prepare me to make a meaningful impact in the financial advisory profession.
    Aikens Family Scholarship
    When I arrived at North Carolina A&T State University, I knew I wanted to build a successful career in finance. What I did not know was how much my experiences both on and off campus would shape that goal and push me to grow as a leader. I am currently a Finance major at North Carolina A&T with aspirations of building a career in finance and commercial real estate. Through internships and professional development opportunities, I have been able to gain exposure to the industry while developing skills that will help me succeed after graduation. This summer, I am working as an Investments and Development Intern, where I support development projects and investment analysis for commercial real estate assets. Outside of the classroom, I have made it a priority to become involved on campus. I currently serve as Treasurer of the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Vice President of Finance for the Residence Hall Association. These positions have allowed me to serve my peers, manage budgets, and contribute to organizations that positively impact student life. One of the most unique parts of my journey has been building a golf content platform while in college. What started as a hobby has grown into a community of thousands of golfers across social media. Through creating content, I have learned marketing, communication, branding, and entrepreneurship while forming relationships with golf companies and industry professionals. Golf has also opened doors to networking opportunities that have reinforced the importance of building meaningful relationships throughout my career. My motivation comes from wanting to maximize every opportunity available to me. Whether in the classroom, through leadership roles, at my internship, or through my golf platform, I strive to represent myself, my family, and North Carolina A&T with excellence. While I work hard to earn scholarships and professional opportunities, the cost of higher education remains a challenge. Receiving this scholarship would help reduce my financial burden and allow me to remain focused on my academic, leadership, and career goals. My goal is to graduate from North Carolina A&T prepared to make an impact in the finance and real estate industries while continuing to create opportunities for others. This scholarship would help me continue pursuing those goals and make the most of the opportunities I have worked hard to earn. Anymore more information that is needed out of me, feel free to let me know and I will provide it, thank you.