GBHEM Scholarships Empower Savion William’s Future at Claflin University

Published On: February 6, 2025
Savion Williams

“The financial relief from these scholarships has been huge. It has alleviated a lot of the burden for my parents and me. I’m truly grateful because this support allows me to focus on my education and my future.”

— Savion Williams, Claflin University

Savion Williams, a Claflin University student, is a living example of how United Methodist scholarships transform lives at historically black colleges and universities. “This award has given me the opportunity to pursue my dreams, work on my vision, and shown me that someone believes in me,” Williams says.

Majoring in Business Administration and Sports Management, Williams is nurturing his entrepreneurial passion by expanding his artwork business. His hard work is fueled by United Methodist scholarships.

For Williams, going to college is more than an academic pursuit — it’s a chance to connect with others facing similar challenges. “I attend college because I want to be that person to make my family proud, to do something positive with my life, and to meet other youth who might be facing the same challenges that I’m facing,” he says. This mindset drives his success, both inside the classroom and in his community work.

Outside of his studies, Williams is involved in his church ministry and local charities like Cooperative Church Ministries of Orangeburg and the Samaritan Homeless Shelter. He also volunteers with “Be The Bridge – Foster SC,” a nonprofit organization helping foster children. “We give back because we want to share light with others,” Williams says. His dedication to community outreach is evident in his role in organizing events like movie nights, back-to-school bashes, and Sundae Fundays for local youth.

“The financial relief from these scholarships has been huge,” Williams says. “It has alleviated a lot of the burden for my parents and me. I’m truly grateful because this support allows me to focus on my education and my future.”

GBHEM Scholarship Program

GBHEM Scholarships offer financial aid to United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Every year, an average of $4 million is awarded to help students in the United States and abroad pursue their dreams through higher education. With this financial aid, GBHEM is opening pathways for students of all backgrounds to earn their degrees and serve as the next generation of leaders for the church and the world. Learn more. 

Related Posts

  • Monday Reflections: Song for Autumn
    Published On: November 17, 2025

    Sometimes, poets help us see the world from a different perspective, painting pictures with words that remind us of our inner lives. ... May we find the heart of God in the fallen leaves, the yearning trees and the sleeping birds.

  • Securing the Future of Education: A Wesleyan Call to Action
    Published On: November 14, 2025

    The church and the world need leaders equipped to serve faithfully in times of crisis. As a part of This Moment Matters, a granting and giving campaign GBHEM has undertaken with its partner agency, Global Ministries, GBHEM is stepping into the gap to support education with bold actions.

  • Monday Reflections: The Cook
    Published On: November 10, 2025

    Above all things, practice and persevere. Some things in life come by accident, but what matters most comes to us as we give ourselves to them and persevere.