First-Year Teacher Selected for National Mentoring and Leadership Program

Alabama A&M University alumna Jamya Williams, a first-year science teacher at Bob Jones High School, has been awarded a $10,000 grant through the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Teacher Empowerment Fund, supported in part by the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation, a national initiative designed to support and mentor early-career educators from historically Black colleges and universities.

Williams, who graduated from Alabama A&M University in December 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in biology with a concentration in secondary education, was selected for the highly competitive program after being recommended by Alabama A&M faculty members Dr. Samantha L. Strachan, associate dean for student success and associate professor of science education, and Dr. Lena Walton, associate professor of elementary education and program coordinator for the doctoral program in curriculum and instruction.

The Montgomery, Alabama, native said she recently learned of her selection through email. The program selects approximately 70 educators from hundreds of applicants representing HBCUs nationwide.

“This grant means legacy for not only my lovely HBCU, but my daughter, family, and former and future African American students throughout my teaching career,” Williams said.

The nine-month mentorship program runs from April through December and provides recipients with financial support, professional mentoring and networking opportunities with education leaders across the country.

Williams began teaching environmental science and biology at Bob Jones High School just days after graduating from Alabama A&M University and recently accepted the head coaching position for the school’s basketball cheer squad.

“The grant money will benefit me as a first-year teacher because I won’t lack resources or classroom needs, and it will also help me network with higher-up educators throughout this mentoring program,” she said.

Williams said Alabama A&M University played a major role in shaping her personal and professional growth.

“I chose AAMU because I wanted to be somewhere that felt like home while accomplishing one of my biggest goals,” she said. “I also continued a legacy as my two siblings and I all graduated from AAMU.”

Williams describes her time on The Hill as transformative.

“My experience at Alabama A&M University was unforgettable,” she said. “It was more than just earning a degree — it was a place that helped shape me personally, professionally and culturally. The atmosphere felt like family from day one, and the friendships and connections I built there are still important to me today.”

Williams said her ultimate career goal is to become a school principal.

“I am so grateful to receive this opportunity,” she said. “My daughter will definitely have a legacy to live up to. Thanks to my lovely education department on The Hill.”