College Football Hall of Fame and Kia’s Accelerate the Good Program Award Five HBCU Scholarships
Tuesday, July 21st, 2026
The College Football Hall of Fame today announced the 2026 recipients of five HBCU scholarships made possible through Kia's Accelerate the Good program. The scholarship initiative recognizes exceptional students whose leadership, academic achievement and commitment to others distinguish them on campus and in their communities.
Now in its fourth year, interest in the program reached a new milestone, with applications doubling from 2025. The record response reflects the growing impact of the scholarship initiative and reinforces the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The exceptional students are:
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Ava Adams - A graduating senior, Ava aspires to work in animation or digital media, aiming to create storytelling that represents diverse voices and inspires young Black girls. A member of the volleyball team, Student Government and honor societies, Ava is drawn to HBCU culture because of its blend of athletic tradition, community pride and legacy of excellence.
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Chelsie Davis - A rising junior at Southern University, Chelsie is a member of the women’s basketball team, Phi Theta Kappa honor society and has been selected to the Chancellor’s List multiple semesters. She recently founded Courtyard Connects, a campus organization focused on community service and environmental initiatives, and is currently pursuing an EMT certificate in addition to her degree.
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Amaya Paylor - A graduating senior planning to attend Spelman College and double-major in Music and Economics, Amaya is a performer and advocate who recently represented the United States at the World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand, where she helped her team win first place. She also serves on the Atlanta Public Schools Student Advisory Council, where she continues to advocate for arts funding equity.
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Amierah Tillman - A pre-med student pursuing a Biology degree, Amierah is driven by a desire to address healthcare disparities in underserved communities. She was an active member of her community throughout her high school career, as well as a varsity cheerleader, all of which helped build her discipline, teamwork and empathy skills.
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Daniel Uzoma - A pre-med student at Grambling State, Daniel founded the Pre-Health Society to help support Black students pursue careers in the healthcare industry, and has grown the organization to include chapters for the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and Global Medical Brigade. Throughout his time, Daniel has been able to maintain a 4.0 GPA, and is currently preparing for the MCAT.
"At the College Football Hall of Fame, our mission extends beyond celebrating greatness on the field to inspiring greatness in the next generation," said Kimberly Beaudin, President & CEO of the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. "These five students have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, determination and a commitment to serving others. We're proud to partner with Kia to invest in their futures and celebrate the impact they will have in their communities."
Recipients were selected through a highly competitive process that evaluated academic achievement, financial need, leadership and a commitment to pursuing careers in STEM. Applicants were required to maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and pursue, or plan to pursue, a degree in an approved STEM discipline, with additional consideration given to student-athletes whose leadership extends beyond the playing field.
“Kia is thrilled to work together with the College Football Hall of Fame and support the academic journeys of these outstanding HBCU students through our ‘Accelerate the Good’ program,” said Percy Vaughn, Executive Director of Southern Regional Operations, Kia America. “We are committed to fostering opportunities and creating pathways for success. This scholarship initiative is a testament to Kia’s ongoing dedication to making a positive impact on our communities.”
The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame and Kia America are proud to invest in these exceptional students as they continue their educational journeys and prepare to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields and communities. The organizations also extend their sincere appreciation to every student who applied, recognizing the remarkable talent, dedication, and leadership demonstrated by this year's applicants.
For more information about the scholarship program and to learn more about the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, please visit www.cfbhall.com.
