More Than $2.8 Million Awarded as FAMU Foundation Strengthens Scholarship Access
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Foundation has announced the awarding of $2.8 million in scholarships to students for the 2025–26 academic year, reinforcing the University’s mission to support academic excellence and expand access to higher education.
This significant investment reflects the Foundation’s commitment to easing financial burdens for students while strengthening pathways to degree completion.
Kechaunda Gilchrist, who leads the scholarship selection and review process, reflected on the impact of this year’s awards and the dedication behind them.
“We are thrilled to have awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to students at FAMU. The selection and awarding process can be challenging due to the outstanding pool of applicants, but it is also incredibly rewarding,” she said.
“Our students express deep gratitude—even for the smaller awards—and it warms our hearts to know we’re helping ease some of the financial burdens of earning a degree and bringing their dreams closer to reality.”
Vice President of University Advancement and Executive Director of the FAMU Foundation, Brandi Tatum-Fedrick, Ed.D. emphasized the broader institutional impact of this year’s awards, noting the Foundation’s enduring commitment to student achievement.
“These scholarship award strengthens the FAMU Foundation’s ability to invest in student
success and expands Florida A&M University’s long-standing tradition of transforming
lives through education,” she said.
Syrus Chivers embodies professionalism and confidence in formal business attire.
(Photo courtesy of University Advancement)
Syrus Chivers, a sophomore business administration student from Atlanta, by way of
Houston, received an award from BP oil and gas company and says the scholarships represent
far more than financial support. He shared the emotional impact of being selected
for this life-changing scholarship.
“Receiving this scholarship as my first scholarship ever means everything to me. When I saw the congratulations email, I was stunned and couldn’t speak for five minutes,” Chivers explained. “Then I called my dad, and he was so proud of me. I’m truly grateful.”
The BP scholarship is renewable for four years and will cover his college expenses. He wants fellow students to keep applying even if they do not immediately succeed because just one scholarship can change someone’s life.
Syrus Chivers poses during the Takeoff: Institutional Innovations for College Men
of Color conference, hosted by the USC Race and Equity Center, highlighting initiatives
that support the success of men of color in higher education. (Photo courtesy of University
Advancement)
As FAMU continues to rise, the Foundation’s sustained investment in scholarships remains a vital part of empowering the next generation of Rattlers.
The scholarship portal officially opens today, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. Students are encouraged to apply at FAMUScholarships.com
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
