November 13, 2024
Pearl River Valley Electric and PineBelt Foundation representatives came to the Poplarville Campus of Pearl River Community College on Wednesday, November 13, for a check presentation and reception. They were joined by PRCC administration, faculty, and staff members, along with several of the 110 PRCC students who received a Round Up Scholarship for the 2024–25 school year.
Nick Rogers of Purvis is a freshman working toward a degree in engineering. He serves as a River Navigator on the Poplarville Campus and is active in the Baptist Student Union. He is grateful for the scholarship to help cover the cost of being a full-time student.
“School can be quite expensive,” said Rogers. “It means a lot to me to know that there are people out there who want to see me succeed in the future and have the ability to give back to the community.”
“We are so grateful and honored for the Round Up for Education scholarships from Pearl River Valley Electric,” said Dr. Adam Breerwood, President of Pearl River Community College. “Financial barriers impede so many students the opportunity for higher education. We’ve done our best to keep tuition at a low rate. When you combine that with partnerships like this it really paves a clear pathway to success.”
Since the Round Up for Education scholarship program began in November 2012, more than $2 million has been distributed from an account overseen by the PineBelt Foundation. Ten percent of each year’s funds are set aside in an endowed fund for future use. The remaining money is divided equally between the number of eligible applicants. Last year, 94 PRCC students were awarded scholarships of $650 each.
“Over 90% of our members participate in donating a little bit of their power bill each month to this program,” said Pearl River Valley Electric CEO/General Manager Matthew Ware. “We’re able to benefit hundreds of students every year. This year we were able to increase the scholarship to $800 and feel the impact is significant for the students.”
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Article by Laura O’Neill. Photography by Lauren Johnson.
