The Hinton Agency Pathways Scholarship
Honoring the next chapter for ROPLA graduates building their future beyond high school.
Overview
The Hinton Agency Pathways Scholarship was created to support graduating mentees of the 100 Black Men of South Metro Atlanta Rites of Passage Leadership Academy (ROPLA) who are pursuing meaningful paths after high school outside of the traditional four-year college route.
While many scholarships focus primarily on college-bound students, this scholarship recognizes and supports additional pathways including:
Skilled trades and technical education.
Workforce entry and entrepreneurship.
Military service
The goal is simple: to provide a financial jumpstart and encouragement for young men stepping into adulthood with purpose.
Inspiration
This scholarship is deeply personal.
As a mother of three sons who have all participated in the Rites of Passage Leadership Academy, I raised them with the understanding that after high school there are three honorable paths: college, military, or workforce/entrepreneurship.
Each of my sons has taken a different journey:
- One pursued military service while also working and building entrepreneurial experience
- One pursued higher education and is completing his master’s degree
- One plans to enter law enforcement through the police academy
My own path included college, military service, workforce experience, and eventually entrepreneurship — completing my degree later in life.
Through each stage, the mentorship and support of the 100 Black Men of South Metro Atlanta played a meaningful role in shaping my sons into the men they are becoming.
This scholarship is my way of giving back — and ensuring that young men who choose paths outside of traditional college still feel supported, seen, and invested in.
Scholarship Details
Award Amount
$500
Number of Awards (2026)
1 Recipient
Eligible Pathways
Trade or Technical School, Workforce or Entrepreneurship, Military Service
Application Deadline
March 28
Award Announcement
May 2 Gala
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a graduating senior in the ROPLA program
- Be in good standing with participation
- Plan to pursue trade school, workforce/entrepreneurship, or military service
- Submit all required application materials
- Have completed the 100 Black Men of South Metro Atlanta Chapter Scholarship Application
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Completed scholarship application form
- Short essay (400–500 words)
- ROPLA mentor recommendation
- Proof of next step (acceptance letter, enlistment, job offer, or business plan)
- High school transcript (unofficial accepted)
How Funds Can Be Used
This scholarship is designed to support real-life transition needs.
Trade / Technical Pathway
• Tools and equipment • Certification exams • Tuition deposits • Books and training materials
Workforce / Entrepreneurship
• Licensing or certification fees • Startup supplies • Work equipment or technology
Military
• Enlistment preparation expenses • Equipment or transition needs
Selection Criteria
Recipients will be selected based on:
Commitment to chosen pathway
Leadership and character
Participation in ROPLA
Clarity of post-graduation plan
Quality of essay
Terms & Conditions
Scholarship is open only to eligible ROPLA graduating seniors
One $500 award will be issued for 2026
Applicants may apply under only one pathway
Funds must be used for approved transition-related expenses
Proof of enrollment, enlistment, or employment is required before funds are distributed
The scholarship committee reserves the right to verify all submitted information
If plans change, the award may be adjusted or reassigned
All decisions are final