The Empowerment for Success Scholarship Fund
The Empowerment for Success Scholarship Fund was founded by the late Pastor Tommie T. Williams, a visionary man whose legacy continues to inspire and transform lives. Though Pastor Williams was a self-educated man, he understood the immense power of education in shaping the future. His deep wisdom led him to recognize that as a church and community, we had a responsibility to support students with dreams of higher education, especially those who might otherwise lack the resources to pursue them.
Driven by a deep commitment to service and empowerment, Pastor Williams envisioned a fund that would provide financial assistance to students within our community, enabling them to pursue their academic dreams. His belief was simple: education is a gateway to opportunity, and every student, regardless of their background, should have access to that gateway. Thus, the scholarship fund was born.
Driven by a deep commitment to service and empowerment, Pastor Williams envisioned a fund that would provide financial assistance to students within our community, enabling them to pursue their academic dreams. His belief was simple: education is a gateway to opportunity, and every student, regardless of their background, should have access to that gateway. Thus, the scholarship fund was born.
Initially focused on supporting youth in St. Mark's Ministries, the fund has since expanded to help students of all ages, providing opportunities for individuals seeking to further their education—whether through undergraduate, graduate, or technical certification programs. Pastor Williams’ vision for inclusive support has allowed the scholarship fund to evolve into a resource for anyone within our community committed to their educational growth.
In 2003, after Pastor Williams was called home to be with the Lord, the scholarship fund was renamed in his honor—the T.T. Williams Empowerment for Success Scholarship Fund—to ensure that his legacy would live on. Under this new name, Saint Mark's Ministries has continued the work that Pastor Williams started, providing financial assistance to over 36 recipients. These individuals have gone on to achieve their goals by obtaining undergraduate and graduate degrees, Associate Degrees, and technical certifications—impacting not only their own lives but also enriching the community as a whole.
In 2003, after Pastor Williams was called home to be with the Lord, the scholarship fund was renamed in his honor—the T.T. Williams Empowerment for Success Scholarship Fund—to ensure that his legacy would live on. Under this new name, Saint Mark's Ministries has continued the work that Pastor Williams started, providing financial assistance to over 36 recipients. These individuals have gone on to achieve their goals by obtaining undergraduate and graduate degrees, Associate Degrees, and technical certifications—impacting not only their own lives but also enriching the community as a whole.
Each recipient is a testament to the power of Pastor Williams’ vision and the enduring impact of this fund. From individuals who have pursued degrees in education and healthcare to those who have become leaders in their respective fields, the scholarship has helped turn dreams into reality. We hold on to Pastor Williams' powerful words, which continue to guide and motivate us:
“Those of you over this fund, do not let it die; keep it up.”
— Pastor T.T. Williams
His call for the continuation of this fund is a reminder that we each have a role to play in fostering the growth and development of others. It is a call to action that we carry with us, ensuring that this fund continues to provide opportunities to deserving individuals for years to come. The Empowerment for Success Scholarship Fund is not just about financial assistance—it’s about fulfilling dreams, creating opportunities, and building a future where education is within reach for all.