PBAGA Scholarship Student Believes in Giving Back

May 7, 2025

By Katharine Jefcoats

As a junior at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College, Andrew Williams is fulfilling the career goals he set for himself back in high school.

Andrew Williams is a junior at North Carolina A&T State University

Williams graduated from Sandy Creek High School in Fayetteville, Ga., in 2022. He played on the school’s Patriots basketball team.

He is working toward a degree in finance to help him pursue a career in “corporate America.” Williams’s end game is to achieve the title of Chief Financial Officer.

Andrew Williams plans a career in finance

“My career aspirations are centered on becoming a leading figure in the financial sector,” said Williams. “Involvement in organizations like the Financial Management Association and Exceptional Males in Business, reflects my commitment to leadership and my desire to impact the financial industry positively.”

Williams is one of two dozen students to win a 2024 scholarship through the Police Benevolent Foundation. He was awarded the PBAGA scholarship because his mother, Tongela Williams, is a PBA member. She works for the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office in Atlanta.

“My mother means everything to me,” he said. “From being raised and loved to watching me grow into the young man I am today. Knowing the sacrifices she’s made for me, my brothers, and my sister on top of her personal life or the things she faces or does not talk about.”

Andrew Williams and his mother, Fulton County sheriff’s Cadet Tongela Williams

Williams said he was pleased to learn of financial assistance.

“Receiving a PBF scholarship means so much to me, it gives me a huge sense of gratitude and appreciation, being chosen out of plenty other applicants,” he said. “Being able to go to school comfortably is something PBF has allowed for me through this scholarship and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Andrew Williams received his scholarship check from PBA of GA Regional Director Rich Houston.  Also pictured are his parents, Wayne Williams and PBA Member Tongela Williams

Williams maintains a 3.23 GPA at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro and is as active in community and volunteer activities as he was in high school. He is a member of Alpha Nu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and earned nominations for NSLS Honor Society and Tau Sigma National Honors Society.

“Community service is an integral part of my life,” he said. “Volunteering with such organizations as Hands on ATL, Open Hands Atlanta and Atlanta Community Food Bank has allowed me to give back to my community meaningfully.”

He also volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and Backpack Beginnings in Greensboro.