Fayette-Ware Graduate Awarded Bridging the Dream Scholarship

MARTIN, Tenn. – Bryson Long, a first-year cybersecurity major from Eads, became the first UT Martin student to be awarded a $10,000 Bridging the Dream Scholarship, as announced by Sallie Mae on November 4, 2024.

The Sallie Mae Fund, in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, provided the funding for the scholarship, which was awarded to 40 high school seniors transitioning into first-year college students nationwide this year.

Almost 1,600 students applied for the scholarship, which was awarded based on high school excellence in and out of the classroom as well as providing a demonstrated need.

Long, a graduate of Fayette-Ware High School, said the application process was to record a video talking about his achievements and financial need.

Among his high school successes was his earning the Lamp of Knowledge given by teachers to those whom they felt excelled and had a great understanding of the subject matter.

“I received it four times,” said Long.

Long played sousaphone in the band, which won several awards in many events, including the Collierville parade.

He said he was “beyond excited” when he heard he won the scholarship.

“I couldn’t contain myself, but I also didn’t know how to feel,” said Long. “I know of the struggles and how difficult it is to be accepted for the scholarships, especially with how many people apply to them.”

Long decided to come to UT Martin because people spoke highly of the university.

“Once, Ms. Candice (McCloud, UTM admissions counselor,) came to our school and talked about it,” said Long. “Then, we went on a tour, and I enjoyed it.”

Long was drawn to study cybersecurity through his proven talents growing up.

“Since I was a kid, I had always had the job to fix all the little technical things around the house,” said Long. “My grandparents would yell at the TV or my aunts and uncles would need help getting the audio to work on the TV – things like that. Ever since I knew what a phone was or a game, I always wanted to be in touch with it. I wanted to know more about it, how to secure a lot of things. I noticed that some people around the world don’t know what it takes to secure their data or their networks. I would like to learn that so I can teach people how to do that.”

Long said he was impressed with the campus grounds at UT Martin when he visited.

“I also liked the space that we have here, especially how the cybersecurity program worked and the professors,” said long. “I was told that they built it from the ground up, and I’m very excited to be a part of it.”

Long said once he graduates, he would like to work for small companies that need to have cybersecurity developed.

“Once I get deep enough into my understanding of it, I can create my own business and focus on spreading security among those who need it more than the larger companies,” said Long. “I want to work to protect the smaller companies and help prevent the breaches that we always hear about.”

He said he recommends to others filling out scholarship applications not to let tentative feelings prevent them from landing their own dream.

“For people who kind of have the fear of applying for scholarships like I did, that fear will go away once you do it,” said Long. “The process takes time, but you also have to be in the mindset that you will accomplish what you want to achieve.”

Long said his parents and grandparents played a big role in encouraging him to try for the scholarship.

“They always told me that you should focus on getting what you want to achieve,” said long. “If you find a scholarship that you want, go ahead and get the requirements taken care of. The world is not going to wait on you, so get the jump on what you can before your opportunity is gone.”

Chancellor Yancy Freeman was pleased to hear that a Skyhawk was one of the recipients of the prestigious scholarships.

“Bryson Long’s achievement embodies the spirit of determination and excellence that we strive to instill in all our students here at UT Martin,” he said. “We are immensely proud that he has been recognized on a national level by Sallie Mae and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund as one of the Bridging the Dream Scholarship recipients. 

“This scholarship is a testament to Bryson’s dedication and the impact of supporting students in their pursuit of higher education. We congratulate Bryson on this tremendous honor and look forward to seeing all he will accomplish in the future.”

Long is the son of Terrance Long and Shelby Crayton of Eads.

Since 2021, the Sallie Mae Fund has awarded nearly $4 million in scholarships to students from under-resourced and underrepresented communities, helping them access and complete college.