5 Strong Atlanta

Est. 2015

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To date, Atlanta Scholars have been awarded over 5 million in scholarship dollars from our HBCU Partners.

5 Strong was created in 2015 by an Atlanta Public Schools High School Counselor. For the first 5 years, the 5 Strong staff was all volunteers. A generous grant from Charles and Lynne Schusterman Families Philanthropies helped 5 Strong Atlanta acquire their 1st full time employees. Being a product the Atlanta Public School system, Founder, Andrew Ragland knew the needs of the metro Atlanta students and created 5 Strong to help provide funding and support to promising student leaders.

5 Strong is grateful to the teachers, counselors and community leaders of Atlanta, and HBCU Alumni Organizations who has helped support the 5 Strong Program. We especially thank our HBCU Partners for their investments in the program and belief in our 5 Strong Scholars.

Interested in applying?

Please review these requirements before applying. Applicants who do not meet these requirements will not be considered.

To be eligible for the 5 Strong Atlanta program, all applications must:

Reside in the Atlanta, GA metropolitan area (Fulton County and surrounding counties)
Be a current-year graduating high school senior
Demonstrate the potential to be a leader in the classroom and on campus
Have earned a GPA of at least 3.0
Have a minimum ACT score of 19 or a combined SAT score of 990 for both Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math sections
Have a strong interest in attending one or more of our partnering HBCUs (all are listed on our website. Please research them before applying.
Commit to attending "All" mandatory bi-monthly college prep sessions - in person in Atlanta.
Be available to attend your HBCU College Visit

5 Strong Atlanta Staff

Carolyn Hill

Executive Director/SysAdmin

Sarita Mason

Program Director/Admin

Board of Directors

Dr. Donrich L. Young

Board Chairperson

Bobby Fryer

Board Vice Chairperson

Renee Wingate

Board Treasurer

Sherida Ragland

Board Fundraising Chair

Erika Moore

Board Secretary

5 Strong Stories

Chad Johnson

Chad Johnson highlights the leadership and public impact that the 5 Strong Scholarship Foundation aims to cultivate in every scholar. He earned his degree in Marketing from Fort Valley State University, graduating with the class of 2024. Combining his background in strategic messaging with a commitment to public service, Chad now serves as a Public Affairs Officer for the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. His rapid transition from an HBCU campus to a vital communications role in local government showcases the power of strong preparation and stands as an inspiring example for future 5 Strong cohorts.

Ben Carter III

Ben Carter III exemplifies the technical ambition and professional excellence that the 5 Strong Scholarship Foundation proudly champions. He built a strong foundation in technology at Bethune-Cookman University, earning his degree in Computer Science with the graduating class of 2022. Fast-tracking his career in corporate IT, Ben now serves as a Senior IT Analyst at Chick-fil-A. His impressive trajectory from an HBCU Computer Science program to a senior-level technical role with a major national brand demonstrates the power of dedicated preparation and serves as a remarkable inspiration for future 5 Strong cohorts.

Fatinah Muhammad

She began building her expertise in technology at Benedict College, where she earned her degree in Computer Science, graduating in May 2023. Leveraging her rigorous academic background, Fatinah quickly transitioned into the professional technology sector and now serves as a Technical Support Associate at the Georgia Tech Research Institute. Her swift move from an HBCU Computer Science program into a key technical role at a premier research organization demonstrates the power of preparation and serves as a standout example of success for the entire 5 Strong community.

Rueben Saint James

Earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Bethune-Cookman University in May 2022, before continuing his advanced studies at Babson College, where he earned a Master of Science in Management in Entrepreneurial Leadership in May 2023. Bringing his strong background in finance and strategy to the corporate world, Rueben spent the start of his career as an investment professional with Hartford Investment Management Company (HIMCO), a subsidiary of The Hartford. As a dual-degree scholar and dedicated alumnus currently pursuing his next high-impact career opportunity, Rueben represents the relentless pursuit of excellence and resilience that defines the 5 Strong community.

Caleb Franklin

Began his path at Alabama A&M University, earning his Bachelor of Science in Special Education in 2020. Expanding his expertise, Caleb went on to earn a Master of Science in Educational Studies and Elementary Education from Johns Hopkins University in 2023, followed by studies in School Building Leadership through the Bank Street College of Education in 2026. Today, Caleb serves as an Instructional Specialist at Friendship Southeast Academy within Friendship Public Charter Schools, while also advancing his reach as an Athari Fellow with the National Association of Black Male Educators. His steady dedication to transforming classrooms and developing as a school leader serves as an extraordinary model of HBCU excellence and service for future 5 Strong cohorts.

Destiny Williams

Beginning her higher education journey at Langston University, Destiny earned dual degrees in Mass Communication and Accounting, graduating on May 24, 2021. Building on that strong foundation, she went on to pursue advanced studies at North Carolina A&T State University, earning her Master of Accountancy on May 12, 2023. Today, Destiny is putting her expertise into practice as a Tax Associate at PwC, one of the world's leading professional services firms. Her impressive academic path and transition into corporate leadership highlight the transformative power of HBCU excellence and serve as a powerful inspiration for future 5 Strong cohorts.