Macon a Difference Scholarship
A five-year, $225,000 commitment funding SEC educations for students in Mississippi, Alabama & Tennessee who work twice as hard to reach the starting line.
Focus on your education, not how to fund it
Paying for college often creates significant financial strain for students and their families. The Macon a Difference Scholarship was established to help ease that burden, providing direct financial assistance so you can focus on your education rather than how to fund it.
This five-year, $225,000 commitment provides three $15,000 awards annually. Each year, one student will receive an award in each of Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee.
Empowering the Next Generation of SEC Leaders
We believe in protecting our community and investing in the people who will lead it tomorrow. That is why Mama Justice has partnered with Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss.
Trinidad's path mirrors the resilience this scholarship rewards. Overlooked by every Division I program out of high school, he walked on at Division II Ferris State University, where he led the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships. After transferring to Ole Miss, he was named 2025 SEC Newcomer of the Year, won the Conerly Trophy as Mississippi's top college football player, and led the Rebels to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) Partnership"I didn't get a single D-I offer out of high school, nobody was lining up to give me a chance. People believed in me before I believed in myself, and my faith carried me the rest of the way. This scholarship is for every young person working twice as hard just to get to the starting line." — Trinidad Chambliss
Real Help. Real Impact. Watch How We’re Macon a Difference
Mama Justice founder Missy Wigginton established the Macon a Difference Foundation in 2018 in memory of her eldest son, Macon McKinney, channeling grief into action by funding scholarships for students who lack resources.
"Macon had a heart for people who were struggling, and this scholarship is a direct extension of who he was. I grew up poor in a family of factory workers who couldn't afford college… When Trinidad and I sat down and realized how similar our stories are, we knew we had to do something together."
— Missy Wigginton, FounderWho Can Apply & Requirements
Location & Enrollment
Enrolled at an SEC university in MS, AL, or TN — or a high-school graduate of one of those states (incoming freshmen included).
Minimum 2.5 GPA
High-school GPA for incoming freshmen; cumulative college GPA for enrolled students.
Essay
An essay on overcoming adversity through faith and determination.
Community Service
Demonstrated community involvement or volunteer service.
Recommendation
A letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, or mentor.
Renewable Award
Renewable for up to four years, contingent on academic standing.
Start your application today
Click the button below to fill out the form and begin your application for the Macon a Difference Scholarship.
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