Trehon Coleman 
Attended Tennessee State University for a Bachelor's in Computer Science. Received a Master's degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University. Inaugural recipient of the Teddy Wilburn Scholarship.

"If my younger self could see me now reviewing applications, I think he’d say, ‘Trehon, you had no clue that everything you wrote to apply for the CFMT Teddy Wilburn Scholarship were seeds planted so you could be prepared to read applications in the future through a student’s lens. Good job, old man.’ (LOL!) It’s surreal but deeply meaningful to see how those early steps shaped me. Reviewing these applications now makes me reflect on my own journey and reminds me of the incredible connections CFMT fosters—like the one I’ve maintained with Pat Cole, who’s been like a guardian angel in my life all these years."

"Every time I read an application, I think about the times I submitted my own. I remember debating how much or how little to share. Today, I’m so proud of the applicants for their courage in sharing their hardships. It makes you feel connected to each student in a good way and reminds you how powerful their stories are." 

Emily Green 
Attended Vanderbilt University, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Music in Harp and highest honors in music and literature. Recipient of the Teddy Wilburn Scholarship and the Alan Baran Fine Arts and Music Scholarship Fund.  

"For me, CFMT unlocked the ability to explore. I was a music major in my undergraduate career, and I loved it—every minute of it. But towards the end of college, I realized music wasn’t meant to be my career, so I pivoted to law school. CFMT supported me through that transition and into law school. Now, my career is in law, but my passion remains in music. I still play the harp and help on the board of a local music and arts nonprofit. I’m so grateful CFMT allowed me the flexibility to explore these options."

"There’s nothing more rewarding than reading an essay where I can tell the applicant really put their heart and soul into sharing their story. Numbers are numbers, but that essay gives them a chance to show me who they are. When I read applications now, I try to see the person behind the words—their heart and their purpose—just as I believe the committee members did for me years ago. Reviewing these applications has brought back a deep sense of gratitude and nostalgia for the journey I’ve been on."

This year we launched our very first resource guide/ social media kit for counselors and college access professionals to use in communicating the CFMT Scholarship Application to their students & families. This toolkit included shared graphics, post copy and slides that you could share on screens throughout your schools/ buildings. We would love feedback on this toolkit so we can continue to best serve you and your students. Please consider taking 5 minutes to complete the survey below. Those who complete it will be considered for a $50 amazon gift card! 

As a part of each newsletter, we will feature a scholarship fund that is part of the General Scholarship Application through the CFMT. This way you can
learn more about the 170 scholarship opportunities students are being considered for when they apply. 

Est. 2023

This is a renewable scholarship fund for students who reside in Williamson County, Tennessee. This scholarship can be awarded to any age student if they have a high school degree or GED. Eligible recipients will be students enrolling in a trade program, associate degree program or certificate. Recipients must demonstrate a true desire to be successful and discuss the importance of being able to be a team player, whether that be through sport, a class project, an extracurricular activity, etc.