In honor of Dorian DeBarr’s legacy as a visionary leader and passionate advocate for youth, the DeBarr Future Leaders Scholarship is awarded annually to a Towers High School student through College AIM’s program.

This scholarship recognizes a student who:

• Demonstrates exceptional leadership potential

• Faces financial barriers to postsecondary success

• Embodies the drive, integrity, and commitment that define future changemakers

The DeBarr Future Leaders Scholarship celebrates the spirit of service and excellence—lifting up the next generation, just as Dorian DeBarr has done throughout his career.

We all know that starting college takes more than just passion and perseverance—it takes tools. And today, we’re excited to reveal a gift that will help a select group of students head to college with one of the most important tools for success in the modern classroom:

🎉 A college-ready laptop! 🎉

Thanks to the generosity of our partners at InspireEdu, we’re awarding laptops to students who have shown resilience, determination, and commitment to their future.

Now here’s how it will work:

If your name is on the list of laptop recipients—CONGRATULATIONS!

But before you start clearing space in your backpack, there are a few important steps to follow to claim your laptop:

📲 Click here to verify your information and claim your laptop..

In the form, you’ll confirm your name, contact info, and agree to the terms of the giveaway

🧠 Attend a required Financial Literacy Workshop, hosted by InspireEdu in the coming weeks.

This session is short, free, and designed to set you up for smart, successful decisions in college and beyond.

💻 Once you complete the workshop, you’ll receive your laptop!

The CAPS Scholarship provides financial and mentorship support to and through college, made possible by the Merancas Foundation.

This college book stipend scholarship is presented by the Charles H. Wesley Education Foundation.

The BLEST Scholarship was created by a College AIM alum who wanted to give back to the organization that poured so much into his journey as a student at Towers High School. Now serving as the current chair of College AIM’s Board of Directors, Nani continues to witness the life-changing impact of the program on students across DeKalb County. In that spirit, he has chosen to award two $500 scholarships to deserving College AIM students.

Recipients were nominated based on the following criteria:

• A strong commitment to College AIM’s mission and values

• A self-directed mindset and determination to make it to and through college

• A thoughtful leader who has made a meaningful impact on their family or community

• Genuine excitement and clarity about their post-secondary path

Empowers deserving students to achieve their academic and career goals.

The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It supports outstanding, Pell-eligible, minority high school seniors by covering the full cost of college not already covered by financial aid and the expected family contribution. The scholarship also provides academic and career support to help scholars succeed in college and beyond.

The Dell Scholars Program was created: to offer both the financial assistance and the wraparound support students need to thrive. Each year, only 500 students are selected nationwide to become Dell Scholars. In addition to a $20,000 scholarship, recipients receive a free laptop and ongoing support throughout their college journey.

5 Strong Scholarship Foundation partners with Historically Black Colleges and Universities to invest in the next generation of student leaders. This prestigious program provides full-tuition scholarships along with ongoing mentorship and support — guiding students from enrollment all the way to graduation. This year, College AIM is proud to celebrate two students who have been selected as 5 Strong Scholars.

Recognizes students for earning over $250,000 in college scholarships.

Recognizes students for earning over $500,000 in college scholarships.

Recognizes students for earning over $1,000,000 in college scholarships.

College AIM will recognize one outstanding senior from each of our five partner high schools—Cross Keys, Lithonia, McNair, Towers, and Stone Mountain—for their leadership, resilience, and commitment to their college goals. Selected by their College AIM Coaches, these students represent the spirit and determination of our mission, and we’re proud to honor them as our 2025 Students of the Year.