Augusta Promise Scholarship welcomes third cohort 

Augusta University welcomed its third class of recipients in the Augusta Promise Scholarship Program, which provides first-generation students the opportunity to graduate debt-free through a combination of financial aid and scholarships, as well as holistic, wrap-around support that connects the scholars to strong mentorship, leadership and academic support.  

“The impact of Augusta Promise extends far beyond a scholarship,” said Susan Davies, PhD, executive vice president of Enrollment and Student Affairs. “By pairing financial support with faculty and peer mentorship, personalized resources and campus engagement, Augusta Promise helps first-generation students build the confidence and connections they need to thrive.”  

This year’s scholars are Ava Alston, Timothy Carter, Ethan Espinosa, Taliyah Powell and Lailani Williams.  

“Our third cohort is already supporting one another, building lasting friendships, and creating a strong community that will impact their success at Augusta University,” Davies said. “We truly appreciate our donors, who have made this possible and invested in our students’ futures.”

Each scholar is an extraordinary student with a unique story to tell, goals to achieve and a path to blaze.  

Ava Alston 

Alston, from Cartersville, Georgia, graduated from Cass High School and is a first-year pre-nursing major. Her high school health sciences teacher recommended Alston apply to AU given her passion and interest in healthcare. While Alston said that college did seem out of reach due to financial barriers, she applied and learned about the Augusta Promise Scholarship Program soon after. 

“This was really my only shot at attending college,” she said. “Being able to come here and start a life for myself has been the biggest blessing.” 

Alston has found a strong support system through the program. Laura Nunez-Carmona, a second-year cell and molecular biology major, is a member of the program’s second cohort and serves as Alston’s student mentor. From advice on class registration to helpful study tips, the program’s wrap-around support has eased her transition to college by providing a built-in family ready to provide guidance and support. 

Outside of the classroom, Alston is passionate about community service. Back home, she volunteered with a humane society, helping to coordinate animal adoptions and food pantries for low-income pet owners. She is currently looking for local opportunities where she can continue that work. 

Looking ahead, Alston is most excited for nursing school and pursuing her longtime dream of working in pediatrics. She credits the Augusta Promise Scholarship Program, as well as its donors, for making her dream a reality.  

“I wouldn’t be here otherwise,” Alston said. “I wouldn’t have gone to college. I would have been in debt, and I don’t know if I would have been able to get on the nursing track so quickly. This has been such a life-changing thing to happen to me.” 

Timothy Carter 

For Carter, a first-year communication major from Augusta, attending AU is an opportunity to build on his passion for storytelling. As a graduate of Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School, his passion comes from working at the school newspaper, in addition to assisting in yearbook, broadcasting and filmmaking. His work was even published in the Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Student Voice Collective.  

The Augusta Promise Scholarship enabled him to continue pursuing these interests, allowing him to keep them at the forefront of his college experience. 

“It gives us the opportunity to focus on academics, volunteer work and internships, and really lets us lock in on school without having a financial barrier,” Carter said. 

Carter is already getting involved on campus through the Jaguar Production CREW, a student production organization that helps with events such as Mr. and Miss Augusta University. One of his favorite experiences so far has been attending the Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival with his mother; an opportunity made possible through the Office of Mentorship and Student Engagement. 

As a member of the program’s third cohort, he is grateful to be part of such an impactful and life-changing initiative.  

“I’m glad the program is growing,” Carter said. “It gives other people like me opportunities to go to college, have that experience and make something out of themselves afterwards.” 

Ethan Espinosa 

Espinosa graduated from Southeast Bulloch High School in Brooklet, Georgia, and is a first-year chemistry major with a concentration in medicinal chemistry. His interest began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the widespread vaccines sparked his curiosity about pharmaceuticals.  

Espinosa was particularly drawn to the program’s mentorship opportunities and looks forward to eventually becoming a mentor himself. 

“I already knew going into college that I wanted to be some type of leader, someone people could depend on,” he said. “The fact that I would eventually become a mentor myself felt like it would be fulfilling that goal of mine.” 

Already a member of HOSA – Future Health Professionals at Augusta University, Espinosa has applied for a Jags On-Campus internship and is pursuing volunteer opportunities at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. 

For him, the generosity of the program’s donors creates an opportunity for him to give back and serve others.  

“The scholarship really has a big impact,” Espinosa said. “It helps cultivate a space where someone like me can be successful, and not having to stress about the financial burden really helps me focus.” 

Taliyah Powell 

Powell graduated from Columbus High School in Columbus, Georgia, and was drawn to AU’s top-ranked nursing program, along with the institution’s proximity to hospitals and healthcare facilities. For her, the Augusta Promise makes her long-term goals much more attainable. 

“AU stood out to me even more once I realized that I would be in the medical hub of Georgia, and with so many hospitals and healthcare facilities nearby I would have the unique advantage of gaining valuable clinical experience and exploring various healthcare pathways while I’m still in school,” she said.

The Augusta Promise Scholarship helped eliminate her fear of accumulating debt, especially since she plans to attend graduate school. Beyond financial assistance, she greatly values the mentorships and relationships cultivated through the program, already having a close-knit community growing alongside her.  

“Being a part of the third cohort of the Augusta Promise Scholarship Program is such a blessing, but I also see it as a call to action to make sure I’m taking full advantage of the opportunities that have been afforded to me,” Powell said. “I’m grateful to be part of the beginning of something that has the potential to impact so many lives, and I hope that my experience will be one of many success stories that demonstrate why this program deserves to continue growing for generations of students to come.” 

Lailani Williams 

Williams, a first-year kinesiology major, graduated from Harlem High School in Harlem, Georgia. She was inspired by her mother, a medical assistant, to pursue a career in healthcare, specifically in occupational therapy.  

Williams has really connected with her student mentor Kensley Sheppard, a second-year kinesiology major and a member of the program’s second cohort.  

“We’re both kinesiology, on a pre-OT track, so that’s definitely helpful career-wise,” she said. “She reminds me that if I’m struggling, I shouldn’t be afraid to reach out and take advantage of tutoring, mentorship and the resources available to me.” 

Outside of academics, the program has given Williams the ability to experience college life in a way that she had not originally planned. Since her family lives only 30 minutes away from AU, she initially expected to be a commuter.  

“Living on campus definitely makes it easier to connect and make friends,” Williams said. “I’m best friends with my roommate now, and we would have never met if I didn’t get the scholarship.” 

Raised by a single mother, the financial burden of attending college was a major concern. However, the scholarship has eased those worries, and now Williams can pursue her dreams. 

“I’m eternally grateful,” she said “This is very monumental to my academic career. I’ll be able to go so much further with this scholarship.”  

Learn more about Augusta Promise 

Housed within the Office of Mentorship and Student Engagement, the Augusta Promise Scholarship Program seeks to provide a sense of belonging that is vital for college students to thrive. With dedicated cohorts and faculty mentors, each scholar receives one-on-one support that will lead them to graduation and career success.  

Help students graduate debt-free and ready to begin their careers by supporting the Augusta Promise Scholarship Program.