Expanding Access. Building Pathways. Creating Opportunity.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing transformative scholarships to underrepresented students at the University of South Carolina — building pathways for tomorrow's leaders through an endowment designed to last in perpetuity.
ZZCEF Gamecock Weekend 2025
Atlanta, GA • Labor Day Weekend
ZZCEF Golf Open
Bear's Best Golf Course, Suwanee, GA
10:00 AM Tee TimeTailgate & Suite Experience
Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Gamecocks vs. VA Tech
Tailgate & Premium Suite AccessScholar Testimonials
Hear directly from the students whose lives have been transformed by the generosity of ZZCEF donors and partners.
The ZZCEF scholarship didn't just help me pay for school — it gave me the confidence to dream bigger. Knowing that a community of professionals believed in my potential pushed me to aim for Georgetown Law. I wouldn't be where I am today without this foundation's investment in my future.
Graduating Magna Cum Laude with a double major in Chemistry and Biology was one of the proudest moments of my life. The ZZCEF scholarship allowed me to focus on my studies without the constant stress of finances. Now I'm preparing for medical school with the skills and confidence I built at USC.
Being on the President's and Dean's List while managing tuition was only possible because of ZZCEF. The scholarship wasn't just financial — it connected me to a strong network of mentors who showed me what success looks like. This foundation changes trajectories.
Every scholarship creates a ripple effect. Your sponsorship can be the next chapter in a student's story.
Sponsor a ScholarshipThe Scholar Arc
Every ZZCEF scholar moves through four designed checkpoints — each step backed by financial support and human mentorship. The arc is the whole product. The check is just the receipt.
Award
Scholarship allocation confirmed before the semester begins — disbursed in time to cover the books.
Anchor
Scholar paired with a mentor. First-semester touchpoints scheduled before the first class.
Accelerate
Internship placement support, continuity funding, and access to the ZZCEF alumni network.
Alumni
Graduation, career launch — and the expectation that every scholar opens the arc for the next one.
Recurring giving underwrites every checkpoint — from Award to Alumni.
Fund a Scholar TodayBoard of Directors
Dedicated board members and volunteers committed to empowering the next generation through education, mentorship, and service.
Russell Brown
Chairman
Charlie Stephenson
Vice Chairman
Jerome Dawson
Secretary
Dylan A. Bess
Treasurer
Clifton Burns
Fundraising ChairBrandon Johnson
Scholarship Chair
Carl Dean
Board Member
Nakia McCloud
Board Member
Leonard Pendergrass
Board Member
Damion Robbs
Board Member
Ric Robinson
Board Member
