Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Empowering Education & Community Since 1973
Founded in 1973, the Sampson High School Alumni Association has dedicated over five decades to fostering fellowship among graduates, supporting community initiatives, and providing educational opportunities. Our organization administers a scholarship fund that has awarded more than $350,000 to over 200 students since 1975, while maintaining a historic campus transformed into senior housing. Through programs like our annual College Tours and Fill-This-Bus school supply distribution, we continue to empower underserved communities in Clinton and Sampson County. Our volunteer-led structure ensures resources directly benefit those we serve, upholding our mission to create lasting generational impact through education and civic engagement. Services
Scholarship Programs
Community Projects
Alumni Networking
School Supplies Distribution
College Tours
Historic Preservation
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We have awarded over $350,000 in scholarships since 1975
- Our historic campus preservation includes senior housing development
- We provide 250+ school supply backpacks annually through Fill-This-Bus program
- Our College Tours expose middle school students to higher education opportunities
- We maintain a volunteer-led organizational structure for maximum community impact
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Services
Scholarship Programs
The SHSAA Leslie Earl Williams Scholarship provides annual financial assistance to deserving students from underserved communities. Since 1975, we've awarded over $350,000 to 200+ recipients, prioritizing academic merit and financial need. Our scholarship endowment fund ensures continued support for future generations of students pursuing higher education.
Community Projects
Our community development efforts focus on historic preservation and senior housing. We maintain the original Sampson High School campus as a historic site and operate an 8-unit senior housing complex. These projects honor our educational legacy while addressing current community needs through sustainable development.
School Supplies Distribution
The Fill-This-Bus initiative provides 250+ grade-specific school supply backpacks annually to low-income families. This program addresses educational inequities by ensuring students have essential learning materials, supporting academic success from an early age through our community partnerships.
College Tours
Annual college exposure programs introduce middle school students to higher education opportunities. Participants tour campuses, attend admissions presentations, and experience college life firsthand. This initiative inspires academic aspirations and demystifies the college experience for underserved youth in our service area.
Alumni Networking
We facilitate professional and social connections among Sampson High School alumni through regional chapters and annual reunions. Our network supports career development, mentorship opportunities, and community engagement while preserving shared educational heritage through historical preservation efforts.
Questions
What scholarship opportunities does SHSAA offer?
We award up to 4 scholarships annually through the Leslie Earl Williams Scholarship program, with over $350,000 distributed since 1975.
How can I become a member?
Membership is open to all Sampson High School graduates, family members, and community supporters. Visit our website for application details.
What community programs do you operate?
We manage three core programs: scholarship funding, historic campus preservation, and youth development initiatives including school supplies distribution and college tours.
How are donations utilized?
Over 80% of donations directly fund scholarships and educational programs, with the remainder supporting operational costs for community projects.
What is the organization's history?
Founded in 1973 by Sampson High School graduates, we preserve the legacy of the historic African-American school that operated from 1900-1969.
