Two SC State school counseling graduate students awarded HBCU LEAP mentoring scholarships
Daynisha Greene and Amaiya Williams each received the $9,000 Pre-Career Footsteps
Mentoring Corps (PCFMC) scholarship for the 2025–26 academic year.
The PCFMC is HBCU LEAP’s flagship program, housed in the HBCU Center for Excellence
in Behavioral Health at Clark Atlanta University and funded by the federal Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
The program drew competitive applications from students enrolled in behavioral health graduate and training programs at 13 historically Black colleges and universities. The scholarship supports counseling students during the academic year in which they complete practicum or internship requirements.
“I am proud to announce to the SC State University community that these nominated students were selected for exemplary resumes, high graduate grade point averages, strong letters of recommendation, and clear motivation and commitment to becoming leaders in the school counseling profession,” said Dr. Antoinette C. Hollis, an associate professor of counselor education in SC State’s Department of Human Services.
SC State school counseling graduate students serve in elementary and secondary schools, supporting youth through academic, career, and social and emotional development while promoting college and career readiness.
Greene is a master’s degree candidate in the counselor education program with a concentration in secondary school counseling.
“I am extremely honored and profoundly grateful to be selected to represent South Carolina State University as a participant in the HBCU LEAP Mentoring Program at Clark Atlanta University,” Greene said. “This opportunity will allow me to share the knowledge and experiences I have gained from the counselor education program. I chose this program because it aligns with my passion for helping others, and I am excited to pursue a career in school counseling where I can use the power of listening to make a positive impact on students’ lives.”
Williams is a master’s degree candidate in the counselor education program with a concentration in elementary school counseling.
“I am honored to be selected as a participant in the HBCU LEAP Program,” Williams said. “I look forward to gaining knowledge, growing in leadership, and using what I learn in the program to make a meaningful difference. It’s a privilege to represent South Carolina State’s counselor education program and to share the incredible work we’re doing.”
A native of Summerville, South Carolina, Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and has dedicated her career to supporting children.
“I’m pursuing counselor education in hopes of reaching more children on a deeper level,” Williams said. “My passion for mental and emotional wellness in youth drives my goal of becoming an elementary school counselor.”
During the 2025–26 academic year, scholarship recipients will conduct behavioral health presentations, meet regularly with mentors, participate in professional development, create digital content for HBCU LEAP, and submit required documentation.
Hollis said the scholarship reflects the Department of Human Services’ impact in preparing graduate students for counseling careers while addressing needs in underserved communities.