Annual celebration recognizes graduates, awards scholarships and connects hundreds of students to college, workforce and career pathways
What began as a celebration of academic achievement became a transformational day of opportunity for hundreds of students and families as New Birth Missionary Baptist Church hosted its annual Scholarship Sunday and College & Career Fair on June 14.
The event brought together students, families, colleges, universities, technical schools, seminaries and workforce development organizations under one roof, creating direct pathways to higher education, skilled trades and career advancement.
This year’s event recognized and celebrated 59 graduating students while awarding more than $180,000 in scholarships through New Birth’s ongoing commitment to educational excellence. In total, approximately 800 students and more than 1,000 family members engaged with educational institutions and workforce partners throughout the day.
“Scholarship Sunday represents more than a celebration of academic achievement. It is a demonstration of what happens when faith, education and community come together to create access and opportunity,” said Dr. Jamal Bryant, senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. “Every scholarship awarded, every college connection made and every workforce opportunity presented has the potential to change the trajectory of a student’s future and impact generations to come.”
The event featured 19 colleges, universities, seminaries, technical schools and workforce partners offering information on admissions, scholarships, certification programs and career pathways. Collectively, more than $5 million in scholarship opportunities were highlighted through educational partnerships and institutional engagement.
Among the event’s most significant partnership outcomes:
• Clark Atlanta University has provided more than $750,000 in scholarship assistance to students.
• South Carolina State University has awarded scholarships to approximately 160 students totaling more than $2.8 million.
• Through New Birth scholarships and university partnerships, students have gained direct access to millions of dollars in educational opportunities.
A major highlight of the event was the expansion of workforce development opportunities through Workforce Careers, which announced the availability of 400 scholarships for students ages 18-24 pursuing skilled trades and workforce certification programs. Beginning this fall, the initiative will expand to include adults ages 25 and older, creating additional pathways to economic mobility and career advancement.
Participating institutions included Bethune-Cookman University, Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, South Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Morris Brown College, Dillard University, Atlanta Technical College, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, Gammon Theological Seminary, Turner Theological Seminary and numerous additional educational and workforce organizations.
As the cost of higher education continues to rise and employers seek skilled talent across multiple industries, New Birth’s Scholarship Sunday continues to serve as a bridge between aspiration and opportunity by connecting students directly with the resources, relationships and support systems needed to succeed.
“Scholarship Sunday 2026 was more than an event—it was an investment in the future,” added Brynat. “Through scholarships, educational partnerships and workforce development opportunities, we continue to remove barriers, create access and empower the next generation of leaders. Together, we are building futures, opening doors and creating lasting legacy for generations to come.”
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
• 59 New Birth graduates recognized and celebrated
• More than $180,000 awarded through New Birth scholarships
• Approximately 800 students served (from across metro Atlanta)
• More than 1,000 families engaged
• 19 colleges, universities, seminaries, technical schools and workforce partners represented
• More than $5 million in scholarship opportunities highlighted
• 400 workforce and trade scholarships available through Workforce Careers
DIGITAL MEDIA ASSETS AVAILABLE
New Birth is making event photos and b-roll footage available for media use. Please credit all assets: New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.
Photo Gallery:
https://newbirthmedia.smugmug.com/June-14-2026-GraduationScholarship-Sunday
B-Roll and Event Recap Video:
https://newbirth.app.box.com/s/msi6f2l2ihzjubujaju4xuxbzcnv5w5c
Graduate Recap Video:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/uxv6f8qb35nmfz668iyz1/grad-recap.mov
Workforce & Technical Career Opportunities Video:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/dv0gwriy5m2ok9j8t2jpi/tech.mo
