The Next Voice That Changes Greenville Might Be in a Senior's Classroom Right Now
Every year, Greenville County sends thousands of students into the world — young people who have worked hard, given back and dared to imagine something better. This year, the African American Leadership (AAL) Affinity Group of United Way of Greenville County wants to do something simple: invest in them.
Greenville is thriving. But not everyone is along for the ride. Data consistently shows that Black youth in our community face steeper barriers to education, health and economic opportunity than their peers and those gaps do not close on their own.
These are not new problems. But they do require a new generation of people willing to solve them.
This Is What Investment Looks Like
The African American Leadership (AAL) Affinity Group of United Way of Greenville County was built on the belief that community change starts with people, specifically people who are deeply rooted in and committed to the communities they serve.
This year, AAL is awarding multiple $5,000 scholarships to graduating seniors in Greenville County, in honor of two leaders whose legacies reflect that same commitment: Judge F. Merl Code and Marvin Monroe Ward. These are not just names on an award. They represent a tradition of showing up, serving others and believing that Greenville can be better.
Something New in 2026
United Way has long been known as a convener. We bring people to the table. We ask hard questions. We believe that collaborative solutions, built by and with the community, are the ones that actually last.
This year we are extending that same spirit to young people by launching the AAL Pitch Competition. We are asking graduating seniors one question:
What would you fund with $1 million?
We want to hear from them. Not as recipients of someone else’s vision, but as the architects of their own. Selected finalists will present their ideas live at the Black Futures event before a panel of AAL Council members, United Way board members and community leaders. Top ideas will be awarded up to $3,000 in prize money.
We launched this competition because as our community’s needs shift, we need more voices at the table. Younger voices. Bolder ideas. Students who are already thinking about what Greenville could be.
How To Apply
If you are a 2025-26 graduating senior in Greenville County, or you know one, we want to hear from you. Applications close April 19, 2026.
Learn more and apply at unitedwaygc.org/aal-scholarship