Augusta University has welcomed its second group of students to the Augusta Promise Scholarship Program. The program is designed to help first-year, first-generation college students graduate without debt by providing financial aid, scholarships, and a support system that includes mentorship and academic resources.
This year’s recipients are Laura Nunez-Carmona from Alpharetta, Joshua Edmundson from Conyers, Marcela Barahona-Martinez from Lawrenceville, Carl McCullar from Hazlehurst, and Kensley Sheppard from Evans.
Susan Davies, PhD, interim executive vice president of Strategic Effectiveness and chief of staff at Augusta University said: “Access and success are integral to Augusta Promise. A debt-free education paired with peer mentorship, social and educational programming, faculty partners and staff resources truly allow first-generation students to thrive. Our generous donors are making dreams a reality at Augusta University, and we could not be more thankful for their investment in our students.”
The scholarship offers recipients opportunities beyond tuition coverage. Laura Nunez-Carmona noted her interest in research on food deserts’ connection with obesity-related cancer mortality and shared her motivation for studying oncology came after her sister’s cancer diagnosis: “I like to learn about different perspectives and people. I want to be a doctor specializing in oncology, so I’ll have to connect with people. My passion for this really comes from when my sister was young and was diagnosed with cancer. She is now in full recovery, but when it happened, it opened my eyes and made me want to learn more.” Nunez-Carmona added she nearly missed the application deadline due to nerves but is grateful for the support provided by the program.
Joshua Edmundson explained that encouragement from his father led him to apply: “I know that college would be difficult on my own, and I’m appreciative of the support that I’m blessed to have with the Augusta Promise Scholarship Program,” he said. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity: “I am honored to be a recipient. I am thankful for this opportunity, and I promise to make it worthwhile for everyone behind this program.”
Marcela Barahona-Martinez described joining the program as joining a family: “Joining the scholar program feels like joining a family,” she said. “Our mentors are like parents guiding us… Its mentors are raising the next generation of mentors.” The scholarship eases her financial concerns as she pursues her goal of becoming a pediatrician.
Carl McCullar sees being part of the early cohorts as an honor: “As a first-generation college student, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a college experience… The program gives me the chance to be the first in my family to graduate from a four-year university debt-free.” He looks forward to advanced science courses and involvement in campus activities: “It’s great to get to be an early member of the program and that my experiences can and will help make an already great program better for future cohorts.”
Kensley Sheppard shared relief at receiving financial assistance through Augusta Promise: “I really hope to gain new leadership skills and get more involved,” she said. “I feel very honored and grateful…and help shape it for new scholars long after me.” Sheppard looks forward to participating in campus events.
The scholarship operates under Multicultural Student Engagement (MSE) at Augusta University. Sierra Sasha Webber, MSE program coordinator stated: “While a student may be aware of a certain resource or office like Financial Aid…we purposefully connect those bridges…so our students don’t feel lost…” Shareen Clement, EdD, director of MSE explained changes made after reviewing feedback from last year’s cohort including earlier retreats with other mentorship programs before classes began as well as earlier faculty mentor pairings.
“Two significant changes were to the retreat and faculty mentorship,” Clement said. “Last year…retreat after start of classes…this year included them before classes started…” Clement also expressed enthusiasm about student success both academically and socially: “I am always most excited to see students succeed holistically…while also maintaining their physical and mental health.”
Donations can be made via AU’s Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement office or directly through fund pages supporting Augusta Promise.
