Scholarships
Part of the mission of the Alaina Coates FAAM Foundation is to invest time and resources into uplifting and supporting communities. One of the ways in which we accomplish this objective is through our annual scholarship programs.
Are you a graduating high school senior aspiring to attend college full time? Check out the The CSM Gary Coates, Sr. Memorial Scholarship.
Will you be a 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade student in the fall and looking for financial resources to fund your summer enrichment plans? Click here to visit our Enrichment Award opportunities for Academics, Sports/Fitness and Performing Arts.
Calling all educators! The Educator Enrichment Award is presented annually to an educator at any level in the education system.
NEW FOR 2026: Continuing Education Scholarship
Are you currently enrolled as a full-time college student at an accredited college or university located in the state of South Carolina and pursuing undergraduate education in a field of study that strengthens Families, supports Academic achievement, promotes Athletic leadership or provides Mentoring and guidance to youth and communities? This $1,000.00 Continuing Education Scholarship might be right for you.
APPLICATIONS:
AVAILABLE - March 1
DEADLINE - May 5
CSM Gary Coates, Sr. Memorial Scholarship
To his soldiers, he was "Command Sergeant Major Coates", to the many young people whose lives he touched along the way, he was "Mr. Coates", but to me, he was "daddy". An absolutely phenomenal man, who was an advocate for youth and always encouraged higher learning. This scholarship honors his legacy, and his life. It is a tribute to a superhero, who is gone to soon.
This scholarship will be awarded to high school seniors who demonstrate scholarship and service through community involvement, volunteerism, scholastic achievement, and extra-curricular participation.
Award Amount: $2,500.00
Continuing Education Scholarships
The purpose of the Continuing Education Scholarship is to invest in students who are already committed to their educational journey and who demonstrate a heart for service, leadership and long-term community impact.
The scholarship is awarded to a full-time undergraduate student who is continuing their education at an accredited college or university in the state of South Carolina (do not have to be a resident of SC) and pursing a career in one of the following fields of study:
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Family & Human Development (Human Development & Family Studies, Family & Consumer Sciences, Social Work, Child & Adolescent Development, Early Childhood Education)
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Education & Academic Leadership (Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, Educational Leadership, School Counseling)
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Athletics & Youth Development (Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Sports Management, Recreation & Sport Leadership, Athletic Training, Physical Education)
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Mentoring & Community Impact (Youth Development, Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, Community & Nonprofit Leadership)
Students in similar majors aligned with the scholarship mission may be considered at the discretion of the selection committee.
Award Amount: $1,000.00
Enrichment Awards
Financial awards are available to rising 9th - 12th grade high school students who demonstrate scholarship and service with a passion for gaining new skills or improving existing skills in their personal areas of interest. One award will be granted in each of the following categories: Academics, Athletics/Sports & Fitness and Performing Arts.
The Educator Enrichment Award will be presented to an educator at any level in the education system who demonstrates innovative ways to enhance the quality of education for students.
Award Amount: $250.00 per category
