Carver High '70 SP Charleston Scholarship Fund Inc

"Don’t cut your aims down to the level of your present abilities but rather raise your abilities to the height of your aims. Hold on to your goal and trust that life, chance, help from others, and your own growing experiences and ability will, in time, furnish you with the means of achieving your goal.”  

These powerful words, spoken over 60 years ago by Dr. S.P. Charleston, the late Principal of the George Washington Carver High School (CHS) in Columbus, Georgia, continue to resonate.  To this day, they serve as a clarion call to minority CHS students to strive for excellence, to aim high, and to overcome obstacles in pursuit of their dreams. It was this very call to "aim high" that inspired Lester McCray, a proud CHS Class of 1970 graduate, to envision a way to "give back" to his school and his community. His vision culminated in the creation of the Carver High Class of 1970 S.P. Charleston Memorial Scholarship Fund in 2010. Named in honor of Dr. Charleston's life and legacy, this fund, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity in the state of Georgia, was established to help provide deserving minority CHS students with the financial assistance they need to pursue a post-secondary education. 

This year, in 2025, we celebrate 15 years of experience and a proven track record of empowering CHS students. The S.P. Charleston Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc. awards two $2,000 scholarships annually – one to a qualified minority male and one to a qualified minority female. In addition, we provide book scholarships, ranging from $200 to $1,000, to deserving CHS seniors, to further alleviate the financial burden on these aspiring scholars. To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must demonstrate academic excellence (minimum 2.5 GPA), a commitment to community service, and a passion for serving others. The application process includes an online application, an interview, and three references from a teacher, school counselor, and community service leader. Scholarship applicants may attend any accredited college, university, or technical school of their choosing.

Since awarding our first scholarships in 2011, we have proudly supported 67 CHS seniors, awarding a total of $55,300.00 in scholarships. Our scholarships have helped students pursue their dreams in fields including, but not limited to, engineering, medicine, law, social work, information technology, education and the arts. These are not just students; they are future physicians, scientists, innovators, attorneys,  educators, entrepreneurs, artists and other leaders poised to shape a better tomorrow in local communities and beyond!

However, the need is still great. The CHS in Columbus, Georgia is a Title I school, and the cost of post-secondary tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for its minority graduates often present insurmountable barriers to their success. The financial burden doesn’t just limit a student’s ability to pursue a higher education; it also impacts their confidence, mental health, and future earning potential.

We humbly request your financial support to help us continue Dr. Charleston's legacy and Lester McCray's vision. Your contribution will not only help CHS students access higher education but also transform entire communities by opening doors to opportunities that are otherwise out of reach. By investing in these students, you are investing in a brighter future for us all.

 Please consider making a donation today and help us empower the next generation of leaders.

Thank you for your generosity and commitment to higher education.

Board of Directors, The Carver High Class of 1970 S.P. Charleston Memorial Scholarship Fund, Incorporated 

Website: www.spcharlestonscholars.org