The Hinton Agency Pathways Scholarship
Honoring the next chapter for the 100 Black Men of the South Metro Atlanta Rites of Passage Leadership Academy (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 were 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.
THE PATHS IN ACTION…
Oldest Son
Military & Workforce Path
Middle Son
Higher Education Path
Youngest Son
Law Enforcement Path
Scholarship Details
Award Amount
$500
Number of Awards (2026)
1 Recipient
Eligible Pathways
Trade/Technical School
Workforce/Entrepreneurship
Military Service
Application Deadline
April 3
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 trainings materials
Workforce / Entrepreneurship
Licensing or certification fees
Startup supplies
Work equipment or technology
Military
Enlistment or pre-service preparation expenses
Travel or processing related costs
Required personal items or equipment not issued
Transition-related expenses
All uses of funds must directly support the recipient’s transition into their selected pathway.