The Carl Ray Scholars Track is the premier leadership, college-readiness, and scholarship-preparation pathway within the Making Moves Institute for HBCU Access.

Named in honor of Carl F. Ray, an educator, mentor, Tuskegee University graduate, author, and founder of the Black College Tour, the track recognizes students who demonstrate a strong commitment to personal growth, academic preparation, leadership, service, and life after high school.

Carl believed that exposure could change a young person’s future. That belief was not abstract. It was shaped by his own life, including the racial violence, loss, and injustice he experienced as a young Black man growing up in the South.

In his 2012 autobiography, Cured: The Power of Forgiveness, Carl wrote about the power of forgiveness, healing, and refusing to let pain destroy purpose. His life’s work with young people grew from that conviction. He understood what could happen when Black youth were left without guidance, exposure, protection, opportunity, or hope. He also understood what could happen when someone stepped in, opened a door, and helped a young person see a future bigger than their circumstances.

The Carl Ray Scholars Track was created to continue that vision by helping students develop the habits, skills, discipline, and mindset needed to succeed in college and beyond.