Columbus Technical College Foundation Awards 51 Scholarships to 34 Students for Fall 2026

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026

The Columbus Technical College Foundation (CTCF) has awarded 51 scholarships to 34 Columbus Technical College students for the Fall 2026 semester, providing financial assistance to help students continue their education and prepare for successful careers.

The 51 awards represent 19 scholarship funds and awards supported by individuals, families, businesses, civic organizations and other friends of Columbus Technical College. Several students received more than one scholarship based on their eligibility and the criteria established for each award.

“These scholarships are a direct investment in the success of our students,” said Susan Sealy, Executive Director of the Columbus Technical College Foundation. “We are extremely grateful for the generosity of our donors and community partners. Their commitment helps remove financial barriers for our students and provides encouragement as they work toward completing their credentials and entering the workforce.”

Fall 2026 Scholarship Recipients

The Columbus Technical College Foundation congratulates the following students who received scholarships for the Fall 2026 semester:

Charlene Schaar Memorial Scholarship
Ebonee Bumbrey and Alexandrea McDonald

CTCF Trustee Scholarship
Rachel Buchanan, Tiffany Curry, Cornelia Dowdell, Sheilihia Fuller, Nya Jones and Katherine Staudenraus

Gloria Dodds Johnson Community Advocate Scholarship
Melba Pesante

Harris County Rotary Club Scholarship
Breanna Johnson

HAAS Scholarship
Travis Wentz

Herman H. Eichman Award for Outstanding Student in Automotive Technology
Damion Farr

Hoover Scholarship
Carnisha Smith

J. Robert Jones Student Support Grant
Donni Anderson, Mercedeez Byrd, Melinda Gamble, Breanna Johnson, Nya Jones, Hodariz Lopez-Tomas, Alexis Marcano, Grace Papay and Valerie Warren

Kelly Levinsohn Memorial Scholarship
Jessica Van Vleet

Kiwanis Club of Columbus Scholarship
Stephanie Hampton, Boma Imabibo, Arianus Johnson, Nya Jones, Hodariz Lopez-Tomas, Alexandrea McDonald, Kalise Mitchell and Mylisia Murrell

KWLA Industrial Technology Scholarship
Garett Mason

Kyle Kelch-Ehouse Memorial Scholarship
Arianus Johnson

Melvin and Kai Gary, Jr. Industrial Technology Scholarship
Aaron Favors, Alexis Marcano and Kelvin Perkins

Murray Solomon Scholarship
Mercedeez Byrd, John Davis, Cornelia Dowdell, Sheilihia Fuller, Breanna Johnson, Tiffany Long, Kalise Mitchell and Alexis Moura

Network for Professional and Executive Women Scholarship
Melba Pesante

Paralegal Scholarship
Cornelia Dowdell

Pezold Scholarship
Melba Pesante

RN Pay it Forward
Shaniya Miles

The Chipley Women's Club Scholarship
Sophia Aycock, Grace Papay and Melba Pesante

Supporting Student Success

Foundation scholarships help students manage the financial costs associated with earning a college credential. Scholarship funds are applied to students' accounts and may be used for tuition, fees and, depending on donor stipulations, other required educational expenses.

For some students, receiving more than one award reflects the breadth of scholarship opportunities made possible by donors who have established funds to support students based on academic programs, achievement, financial circumstances and other eligibility criteria.

The Columbus Technical College Foundation works throughout the year to raise and manage private resources that support the College and its students. Through scholarships, student assistance and other initiatives, the Foundation helps reduce financial barriers that could otherwise prevent students from completing their education.

“Every scholarship has a story behind it,” Sealy said. “Whether it was established in memory of a loved one, created by a civic organization, funded by a local business or supported by an individual who simply wants to help a student succeed, each award demonstrates the impact our community can have on a student's future.”

The Foundation extends its appreciation to the donors and organizations whose generosity made the Fall 2026 scholarship awards possible and congratulates each of this semester's recipients.