The Scholarship Mom Is Back: Inside the 12th Annual Black Friday Scholarship Bootcamp
The Black Friday Scholarship Bootcamp returns with real tools families need to win scholarships, understand FAFSA changes, and plan debt-free futures. Gwen Thomas breaks it all down—listen to the full interview below.
Gwen Thomas is always on the move—and always on a mission. So when she stopped by to talk about this year’s 12th Annual Black Friday Scholarship Bootcamp, I knew we were in for something big.
This event has helped families for 12 years, and Gwen—known nationwide as The Scholarship Mom—is still changing lives. She’s helped thousands of students collect millions in scholarships, including her own son, who graduated debt-free and studied in 30 countries.
And now, she’s gearing up for another powerful year.
It all goes down Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Radisson Hotel in Southfield. While the rest of the country shops for deals, students here will learn how to shop for scholarships.
Then, the learning continues with a virtual scholarship writing session on Saturday, November 29.
What Families Can Expect
Gwen and her team walk students and parents through everything they actually need to know right now—especially in today’s changing education climate.
They break down:
- How to find and win scholarships
- FAFSA updates
- What’s really happening on college campuses
- How AI is reshaping college and careers
- ACT/SAT strategies
- Where the jobs will be in the next four years
Plus, this year brings a major highlight—Dr. Ramsey Smith, a Southfield native and international cyber-security and space policy expert. He’ll talk about global careers, STEM pathways, and the kind of opportunities many students don’t even know exist.
There’s also a special appearance from Gwen’s son, Cameron Thomas Shaw, now a U.S. diplomat, along with voices from HBCUs, Michigan State, and Morehouse College.
Why This Matters
College is expensive. Funding is changing. And too many students graduate with debt—or leave school without finishing. Gwen wants to stop that cycle by equipping families with the tools they’ve never been taught.
