Barbara Alicia Brayboy Brooks continues to see her name connected to education more than 60 years after she enrolled at the University of South Carolina Aiken.
Brooks was USC Aiken’s first Black student when she enrolled in 1965. Today, a scholarship created in her honor is helping other students pursue college degrees.
The university’s Black Alumni Council recently hosted the Barbara Brayboy Brooks Scholarship Brunch to celebrate that continuing legacy. The annual event was held Sept. 19 at the James Center at Second Providence in North Augusta, South Carolina.
Barbara Brayboy Brooks scholarship supports USC Aiken students
The scholarship program connects financial support with Brooks’ place in USC Aiken’s history.
The Black Alumni Council established the scholarship in her honor. It recognizes students for academic achievement, leadership and service while helping reduce some of the financial pressure of earning a college degree.
The latest scholarship brunch brought together students, alumni and community leaders. Its theme was “Rooted in Community, Rising Through Education.”
The gathering also provided an opportunity to recognize scholarship recipients and celebrate their achievements. Proceeds from the event support future student scholarships.
Students receive financial help through Brooks’ legacy
The scholarship has already provided direct financial assistance to USC Aiken students.
In 2025, Kamya Brooks and Makayla Shedrick each received $1,000 through the Barbara Brayboy Brooks Scholarship. A year earlier, Rianna Williams and Keylis Garcia Baro also received $1,000 scholarships each.
For students, that support can help with the costs that come with earning a college degree. At the same time, the program places a strong focus on achievement and leadership.
That combination gives the scholarship a purpose beyond financial assistance. It links educational opportunity with the values the program seeks to recognize in its recipients.
USC Aiken continues to invest in student scholarships
The Brooks scholarship comes as USC Aiken reports increased philanthropic support for students.
The university received $2.55 million in philanthropic support during fiscal 2026. According to the report, that was its strongest fundraising year in five years and represented a 15% increase from the previous year.
More than $1.6 million of that funding went toward student scholarships. The figures show the broader role that financial support plays in helping students meet the cost of higher education.
Brooks reflects on seeing students receive her scholarship
Brooks has also spoken about what it means to see students receive financial support through a scholarship carrying her name.
At the 2025 scholarship event, she described the experience as deeply meaningful.
“Proudly witnessing two outstanding students receive scholarships in my name simply warms my heart,” Brooks said.
Her response highlights the personal connection between her experience and the students now benefiting from the program.
For Brooks, the scholarship offers a visible reminder that her connection to USC Aiken continues through a new generation of students.
A 1965 enrollment continues to shape her legacy
Brooks’ enrollment at USC Aiken came during a significant period for the institution and its Black students.
She became the university’s first Black student in 1965. Her enrollment helped open opportunities for other Black students at the school.
More than six decades later, the scholarship bearing her name carries that story into the present. It provides financial assistance while recognizing students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and service.
The program therefore connects one student’s experience in 1965 with the educational journeys of students today. Brooks’ name remains part of USC Aiken’s effort to support students as they work toward their degrees.
The scholarship keeps Brooks’ educational legacy moving forward
The Barbara Brayboy Brooks Scholarship shows how one person’s educational journey can continue to influence a university community.
Brooks entered USC Aiken in 1965 as its first Black student. Today, students receive scholarships carrying her name and gain financial support for their education.
The annual brunch also brings together the people connected to that mission. Students, alumni and community leaders gather to celebrate achievement while raising support for future recipients.
