The Ayers Foundation Trust is proud to announce the creation of the Jim Ayers Torchbearer Award, a new annual honor celebrating an Ayers Scholar alumnus who is making meaningful contributions in their rural Tennessee hometown.

This award pays tribute to the enduring legacy of Jim Ayers, the Trust’s founder and visionary leader, whose belief in the power of education and opportunity transformed the lives of thousands of students. The Torchbearer Award reflects his values of integrity, resilience, and service and celebrates those who are carrying that vision forward.

Each year, the award will recognize one outstanding Ayers Alumnus who is helping move their community forward through entrepreneurship, community engagement, and achievements that reflect the Foundation’s mission of transforming rural communities one student at a time. The honoree will receive a $5,000 grant for a community project or nonprofit of their choice, along with recognition at the Ayers Foundation Trust’s Founder’s Day celebration in September.

To learn more or submit a nomination, visit: https://ayersfoundationtrust.org/torchbearer/.