Talladega College has received a $75,000 donation from the Patterson Family Foundation to fund scholarships for aspiring writers and educators.
The gift will provide financial assistance to 10 full-time first-year undergraduate or graduate students during the 2024-2025 academic year, with each receiving a $7,500 scholarship.
The scholarships are intended for students who have expressed a passion for pursuing careers as writers or teachers of writing or other full-time students who demonstrate a commitment to promoting literacy and instilling a lifelong love of reading in future generations.
James Patterson, the renowned author and philanthropist behind the foundation, is one of the most recognized names in modern literature. With numerous No. 1 New York Times bestsellers, including the Alex Cross and Maximum Ride series, Patterson has achieved extraordinary success as a writer. Beyond his literary accomplishments, Patterson has donated more than 1 million books to students in under-resourced schools and youth programs across the country. To date, he has also contributed $7.25 million to school and classroom libraries and $2.1 million to support independent bookstores and their employees.
The donation will have a significant impact, helping to ease the financial burden of higher education for students and empowering them to pursue their academic and career goals.
“This is a remarkable gift from the Patterson Family Foundation,” said Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough, interim president of Talladega College. “It not only alleviates financial stress for the students selected, but also encourages our scholars to pursue their dreams of becoming educators and storytellers—those who will inspire a lifelong love of reading and writing in others. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the opportunities it creates for our students to thrive.”
Dr. Shereitte Stokes, interim vice president for institutional advancement at Talladega College, also highlighted the importance of the donation.
“Talladega College is grateful to James Patterson and the Patterson Family Foundation for supporting its mission,” Stokes said. “Their commitment to literacy and teacher education aligns perfectly with the College’s mission to prepare students for leadership and service. Their donation will have an enduring impact on the lives of our students and the communities they will go on to serve.”
The Patterson Family Foundation awards scholarships annually to students at 14 colleges and universities nationwide. The Foundation also funds initiatives such as the James Patterson Teacher Education Scholarships, which support undergraduate and graduate students preparing for teaching careers.
Talladega College is honored to partner with the Patterson Family Foundation in this initiative, which will inspire the next generation of educators and writers while strengthening communities through the power of literacy.
The Patterson Family Foundation, established by bestselling author James Patterson, is dedicated to advancing literacy, education, and teacher support. Through its scholarships and donations, the foundation has made a profound impact on countless students and educators, helping to foster a love of reading and learning for generations to come.
