The 7th Annual Scholarship Gala Tickets Are Now Available!

The 7th Annual Scholarship Gala Tickets Are Now Available!

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We invest in HER, then the village walks beside her

The Donna P. McCullum Foundation for Educational Excellence empowers young women through scholarships, mentorship, and a village that walks beside them

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W E L C O M E

Welcome to the Donna P. McCullum Foundation for Educational Excellence (DPMFEE)

We believe every young woman deserves the support, guidance, and community she needs to rise into her purpose. Through scholarships, mentorship, and a committed village, we walk with each scholar as she grows, overcomes challenges, and steps boldly into her future. We don’t just invest in education. We invest in HER.

  • Over $20k raised and given back to to women through scholarship awards each year and celebrated during scholarship brunches

  • At the heart of DPMFEE are the remarkable young women we are honored to support. Each scholar represents resilience, ambition, and the promise of a brighter future. Through scholarships, mentorship, and the strength of our village, they are empowered to pursue their goals with confidence and purpose.

  • Behind every scholar is a mentor who believes in her potential. Through encouragement, leadership, and genuine connection, our mentors help scholars navigate college and prepare for the future with confidence.

  • Scholarship Gala Tickets now available!

A M E S S A G E F R O M O U R F O U N D E R

Dr. Donna P. McCullum

When I established the Donna P. McCullum Foundation for Educational Excellence, my vision was never simply to provide scholarships. My vision was to invest in young women whose lives would become a source of hope, leadership, service, and positive change in the world.

Each year, I am reminded that excellence is about more than grades and achievements. It is reflected in character, perseverance, compassion, and a willingness to use one's gifts to uplift others.

The remarkable young women we honor each year are not waiting for the future to arrive—they are already shaping it. They are scholars, leaders, advocates, and servants whose futures are filled with possibility and purpose.

As you view the DPMFEE website, I invite you to look beyond our accomplishments and consider the lives each young woman will touch, the communities they will strengthen, and the impact they will create for generations to come. Investing in Her Today. Inspiring Her Tomorrow.

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O U R V I L L A G E C O R E V A L U E S

Seven values that shape how the village walks beside HER

  • Vision

    We believe in seeing beyond challenges and imagining what’s possible. Our vision guides every program, initiative, and partnership we build—creating opportunities where they once didn’t exist.

  • Lift

    Together, we rise. We strive to lift others through acts of service, education, and support—helping each person reach their highest potential.

  • Legacy

    We honor the past while building a future filled with hope. Every program we create is designed to leave a lasting impact for generations to come.

  • Access

    Every family deserves doors that open. We work to remove barriers and create access to essential opportunities, resources, and pathways to success.

  • Investment

    We invest in people first. Through mentorship, resources, and community programs, we commit to nurturing growth in every family and individual we serve.

  • Growth

    We support continuous growth—personally, academically, financially, and emotionally. With the right support, every individual can flourish.

  • Empowerment

    Empowerment is at the center of our mission. We give individuals the tools, confidence, and guidance needed to take charge of their future.

A N N O U N C E M E N T S

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F E A T U R E D S C H O L A R

Ms. Madisson Cole | Adopted Scholar

Sometimes impact begins outside of an application

When Madisson expressed a need, our partners responded. Through collaborative support, she received the resources necessary to thrive—demonstrating that impact sometimes begins beyond an application.

Our Scholars →

P R O G R A M P A T H W A Y

From scholarship package to scholar support, the village remains close

Apply for a Scholarship Package

Begin the journey with financial support designed to remove barriers.

Scholarship Brunch

Meet recipients, families, mentors, and supporters while celebrating achievement.

Meet Your Village

Every scholar gains access to mentors, professionals, and a lifelong support network.

Scholar Support

Continued guidance, check-ins, emergency resources, and academic encouragement.

Give Back

Become a mentor, volunteer, partner, or donor and help the next scholar.

O U R I M P A C T

| “Whatever you do, don’t quit and failure is not an option.”

Events →

  • 2025 DPMFEE Scholarship Brunch

    The 2025 DPMFEE Scholarship Luncheon honored Ms. Tyra Davis as the 2025 DPMFEE Scholarship Recipient. During the luncheon, Tyra was awarded a $3,000 scholarship, and the three finalists—Casie Freeman, Laila Sibley, and Kamorah—were recognized for their outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to serving their communities. The event celebrated each scholar's accomplishments while encouraging them to continue pursuing their educational and career aspirations with confidence and purpose.

  • 2024 DPMFEE Scholarship Brunch

    The 2024 DPMFEE Scholarship Brunch honored Ms. Morgan E. Richardson as the 2024 DPMFEE Scholarship Recipient. During the brunch, Morgan was awarded a $3,000 scholarship, and the three finalists—Kennedi C. Robinson, Kennedy R. Allen, and Kenzie M. Moore—were recognized for their outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community service. The event celebrated each scholar's dedication to excellence while encouraging them to pursue their educational and career aspirations with confidence.

  • 2023 DPMFEE Scholarship Brunch

    The 2023 DPMFEE Scholarship Brunch honored Ms. Zena Nicole Terry as the 2023 DPMFEE Scholarship Recipient. During the brunch, Zena was awarded a $3,000 scholarship, and the three finalists—Carrington Hodge, Asia Jones, and Jaidyn Ramsay—were recognized for their exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to serving their communities. The event celebrated the scholars' accomplishments while encouraging them to continue pursuing their goals with confidence, purpose, and excellence.

  • 2022 DPMFEE Scholarship Brunch

    The 2022 DPMFEE Scholarship Brunch honored Ms. Alexandria Stone as the 2022 DPMFEE Scholarship Recipient. During the brunch, Alexandria was awarded a $3,000 scholarship, and the three finalists—Janna Calhoun, DaJa’ Moore, and Kai Moore—were each awarded a $500 scholarship. The scholars were encouraged and inspired by keynote speaker District Attorney Lynneice O. Washington, who reminded them, “Whatever you do, don’t quit,” and that “failure is not an option.”

  • 2021 DPMFEE Scholarship Brunch

    2021 DPMFEE Scholarship Brunch
    The 2021 DPMFEE Scholarship Brunch honored Ms. Alyssa Christian as the 2021 DPMFEE Scholarship Recipient. During the brunch, Alyssa was awarded a $3,000 scholarship and introduced to her mentor, Dr. Carol Johnson. The scholars and guests were inspired by keynote speaker Attorney Terrika Shaw, who encouraged them to write down their goals, dream boldly, and remain committed to bringing those dreams to fruition.

O U R V I L L A G E

A village is built through Partners, Mentors, and Support

  • Commissioner Albert Turner District 1, Perry County

  • Tyrone Jones, New Life Roofing

  • Errol and Carolyn Culpepper

  • Sherry McClain

  • Alabama New South Coalition Jefferson County Chapter

  • Attorney Lynneice O. Washington

  • Birmingham Chapter- AFT

  • Leah Holder Wiggins

  • The Lincoln Center , www.thelincolncenter.com

J O I N T H E V I L L A G E

This is our village. This is how we walk with HER

2026 SCHOLARSHIP

Your support helps transform lives — one young woman at a time.

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