Ten Guilford College students received $1,000 grants from the College as part of a new scholarship program recently established to help students who need additional financial support for covering their expenses.

Guilford’s Pay it Forward Scholarship Program, funded by the philanthropy of alumni and friends, provided the students with the grants. The program is designed to foster a stronger sense among students of the importance of philanthropy in sustaining educational opportunities for students at the College in the future. 

The inaugural recipients are:

• Darniece Carter ’25, a Psychology major who plans on pursuing a master’s in Social Work after Guilford.
• LaTaylin Maxwell ’23, a Criminal Justice major, who plans on joining the Greensboro Police Department as a law enforcement officer.
• Madi Spivey ’24, a Criminal Justice major who plans on working for a local sheriff’s department.
• Alexus Neal ’24, a Criminal Justice major who wants to become a law enforcement officer.
• Jessica Kelliher ’25, a Psychology major interested in pursuing a master’s at The Savannah College of Art and Design or Meredith College.
• Drew Erickson ’24, an International Studies and Community and Justice double major, who wants to pursue a master’s in Public Policy after Guilford.
• Pascal Pampu ’26, a Criminal Justice major who wants to work in the juvenile justice system as a correctional counselor.
• Axel Lemus ’23, an Exercise Sports Management major who wants to pursue a nursing degree after Guilford. 
• Eydy Marin Salinas ’25, a Criminal Justice major who plans on working as a law enforcement officer.
• Adrian Pineda ‘25, a Business Administration major who would like to pursue a career in soccer and business. 

President Kyle Farmbry informed the students of the grants shortly before the end of the fall semester. 

“This is a close-knit community, and many people are invested in student success, starting with faculty and staff you interact with every day,” Kyle told them. “The Pay it Forward Scholarship Program is made possible by alumni and friends who want you to have the benefits of a Guilford education that they enjoyed.” 

The students participating in the program will receive training opportunities in philanthropy and leadership development this spring. They also agree to help pay it forward through regular philanthropic contributions after graduating to provide scholarships for future Guilford students.

Darniece already has an internship and is working part-time at a local restaurant to help pay for her education. “This is a blessing,” she says. “I don’t know much about philanthropy but I'm definitely excited to learn more.”

After the awarding of initial grants, future funding may be available for students depending on the depth of their engagement in the program, academic performance and service to the broader community.