Pota Estel Coston Memorial Scholarship
The Pota Estel Coston Memorial Scholarship honors AVPRIDE’s dedicated youth programs manager and Fayette County County Commissioner who passed away in 2015. A graduate of Marshall University, the Honorable Pota Coston’s passion was public service and youth development.
The Association of Village PRIDE, Inc. (AVPRIDE), which specializes in leadership development for teens and young adults, greatly benefited from her dedication. She began as Director of Career Exploration and eventually became Director of AVPRIDE’s Workforce Development Program, coordinating and participating in numerous initiatives to help youth in the community.
She was a member of more than a dozen civic organizations including Fayette County’s Ethics Board, the Chamber of Commerce, Fayette FACTOR, Friends of the Tyrone Library, and the River Oaks Advisory Board. She was a member of Elizabeth Baptist Church.
About the Pota Estel Coston Memorial Scholarship
Each year a $500 scholarship is given to a senior from AVPRIDE’s teen youth development group (SAYA) to assist with college or technical school costs. The scholarship is not based on GPAs or extensive resumes. Rather, the PEC scholarship aims to identify those students who have the greatest potential to make a difference in their community and among the people they meet.
How to Apply
1.Complete a 200 Word essay (in the application form) that addresses one or more of the following areas:
- How have you changed while in the South Atlanta Youth Alliance (SAYA)? Describe the experiences which have influenced your outlook and development regarding life and your future plans.
- SAYA students are often described as “Diamonds in the Rough,” young people with great potential who could benefit from mentoring and a friendly environment that allows them the freedom to explore ideas and leadership skills that will serve them well in the future. How have you engaged with the South Atlanta Youth Alliance and your peers to develop your leadership skills?
- Teamwork and team development are crucial aspects of succeeding in the business world and as adults. Describe your team experiences as a SAYA student and how it has impacted your perspective on achieving goals in your work life.
- What has SAYA meant to you?
2. Please email us two letters of recommendation, to info@avpride.com. Please have the letters submitted by April 30, 2024, with the subject line “Coston Scholarship” and your name.
3. Please follow this link to fill out the biographical sketch.
4. We are requiring that the winner must be present at the End of the Year Ceremony May 15th to receive the reward.
5. Please direct your questions to chrischelemadison@avpride.com
Deadline: April 30, 2024