CSM’s MacKall’s Winning Hawk Pitch to Help First-Generation College Students

Three College of Southern Maryland students and their ideas on how to improve campus life were recognized and awarded on May 6 at the Prince Frederick Campus. Their winning proposals also added scholarship and cash money to their accounts.  

Keziah MacKall won first place for her Hawk Pitch and Video Challenge submission this year – “Hawks First to Soar Peer Mentorship Program.” MacKall’s initiative is designed to support first-generation college students, starting right at the moment that they register for classes. Her program pairs new students with mentors who help them navigate college, including signing up for classes and accessing the many resources available at CSM.  

“Inspired by her own experiences as a first-generation college student, Keziah understands firsthand how overwhelming college can be without someone to help you find your footing,” CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson said at the ceremony.  

“Keziah noted in her pitch that her program can help remove barriers to success by helping them get on track early and stay on track throughout their journey,” Wilson continued.  

For her winning-proposal, MacKall received a $500 check from Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, along with a three-credit scholarship from the CSM Foundation. College Innovation Alliance will fund MacKall’s program. 

Diante Keita made a Hawk Pitch for CSM to host more “night of” series. CSM currently offers a Night of Engineering event, which gives students a firsthand look at career, internship, and transfer opportunities in engineering. Keita’s idea is for CSM to host other evening events for other areas of study.  

“In his pitch, Diante shared that the series will help students interested in a variety of majors come to CSM with greater confidence, more clarity about their educational journey, and a stronger sense of what’s possible for their future,” Wilson said.  

Keita was presented with a $300 check, donated from Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, and a Dell laptop.  

Israel Cheatham proposed strengthening CSM’s Digital Media program by investing in industry standard equipment. By giving students access to professional-level gear, the program will better prepare them for the workforce and enhance their ability to tell compelling stories through digital media.  

Cheatham received a check for $200, donated by Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, and a CSM swag bag.  

This year, 11 CSM students submitted outstanding Hawk Pitch submissions. The entries were evaluated by a panel of three judges based on their impact on CSM and their alignment with CSM’s strategic goals of access, momentum, and mobility. The top three pitches, selected by judges, were then ranked in first, second, and third place through an online vote by the college community.