Announcing the Malcomb and Tammy Coley Scholarship Fund: Opening Doors for Deserving Students

Malcomb and Tammy Coley know what it means to work for a dream. Raised in modest homes in North Carolina, both came of age surrounded by strong values, tight-knit families, and a work ethic that shapes futures. Now, as accomplished professionals and community leaders, they are giving back in a meaningful way—by helping the next generation access the kind of education that changed their lives.

The Malcomb and Tammy Coley Scholarship Fund has been established to support hardworking students who are determined to pursue higher education but face financial obstacles along the way. The scholarship reflects the Coleys’ belief that a college degree should never be out of reach for someone willing to work for it.

Malcomb grew up in Goldsboro, North Carolina, the seventh of eight children. From a young age, he helped support his family—collecting bottle caps, doing odd jobs, and learning the value of every dollar earned. Tammy, raised in Asheboro, North Carolina, was one of four children who spent much of her youth working in the family business. Whether she was sweeping floors or running the photo lab, she learned the principles of hard work, perseverance, and responsibility.

Neither of them had a blueprint for success. But through long hours, multiple jobs, and an unwavering belief in education, they carved out their paths. Malcomb went on to earn an MBA from UNC Wilmington and recently retired as the Central Region Private Leader and Charlotte Managing Partner at Ernst & Young (EY). Tammy earned her BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from UNC Chapel Hill, and today she is the Chief Transformation Officer at BlackLine. Both are licensed CPAs in North Carolina and respected leaders in their fields.

“Our journeys were made possible by the sacrifices of our parents—Margaret and Thomas Swinson, and Betty and Clyde Foust,” they said. “They gave everything to make sure we had a chance at college. We’ve carried their legacy with us every step of the way, and we are incredibly grateful for where that path has led.”

The Malcomb and Tammy Coley Scholarship Fund is a tribute to those legacies—and a promise to future generations. The fund will support students who show not only academic potential but also the grit, determination, and resilience that defined the Coleys’ journeys.

Applications for the scholarship will be open to students who demonstrate financial need, a strong work ethic, and a clear commitment to achieving their goals through higher education.

Because no student should have to walk away from their future just because of the price tag. And with the Coley Scholarship Fund, they won’t have to.

Malcomb and Tammy Coley Scholarship Application

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Full Name *

First

Last

Date of Birth *

Email Address *

Phone Number *

Home Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

— Select state —AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingState

Zip Code

Current High School or College You Are Enrolled In *

Current GPA *

Attach Your Most Recent Official Transcript *

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

Which School Will You Be Attending Next Year *

Proof of acceptance or current student enrollment from the above school is required prior to the receipt of funds.

List Other Financial Assistance You Will Receive Per Semester or Quarter

Personal

Other Scholarships

Student Loans

Other Financial Resources

List Your Academic Honors, Awards, and Membership Activities *

List Your Community Service Activities, Hobbies, Outside Interests, and Extra Curricular Activities *

How much financial support are you requesting from this scholarship? Please explain how you arrived at this amount and how it will help meet your current needs.

Please share any personal or family circumstances that make financial assistance important for you at this time. How would receiving this scholarship help you pursue your goals?

Upload your FAFSA Submission Summary from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) *

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

Personal Essay.

Describe a time when your community—whether your family, neighborhood, school, or a local organization—helped support you through a challenge. How did that experience shape your understanding of unity and what role do you hope to play in strengthening your community in the future?”

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

Upload your answer here

Two Character References from an Educator, Pastor, Coach or Mentor *

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 2 files.

The following items must be attached to this application for the application to qualify to be reviewed by the scholarship committee.

Your application will be returned if these items are not attached. (No exceptions.)

Click ‘Yes’ to ensure you have attached each item as required.

Checkboxes

• Completed, signed application form (this form)
• Two character references
• Copy of your most recent transcript with cumulative grade point average
• A copy of your Student Air Report (SAR) from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Personal Essay

Statement of Accuracy

I hereby affirm that all the above-stated information provided by me is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I also consent that my picture may be taken and used for any purpose deemed necessary to promote this scholarship program.

I hereby understand that if chosen as a scholarship according to the Malcomb and Tammy Coley Scholarship policy, I must provide evidence of enrollment/registration at an accredited, post-secondary institution before my scholarship funds can be awarded.

Signature

Clear Signature

family, experience amount

Date / Time

Date

Time

Submit Application