Pearl River partners with Marion County School District to provide scholarship opportunities

November 18, 2022

Pearl River Community College and the Marion County School District were excited to announce a new scholarship opportunity for East and West Marion High School students at a press conference Friday.

An Educational Foundation Fund has been created to provide scholarships for East and West Marion High School students to attend PRCC. This fund was made possible through a $3.5 million non-restricted donation by MacKenzie Scott through her Lost Horse Foundation. Scott’s generosity has helped millions across the globe and will now create pathways for success for many Marion County School District students.

“I am overwhelmed by the generosity of this donation,” PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood said. “The long-term impact of this act of kindness is immeasurable. The greatest obstacle in achieving a college education often lies in the financial challenges it requires. The removal of this roadblock will create clear pathways for educational success.

“Pearl River Community College is humbled and honored to partner with the Marion County School District and the Pinebelt Foundation to create life-changing educational opportunities for generations to come.”

Several administrators of the MCSD spoke during the press conference held at the Marion County School District Office. Through their words, it was clear these individuals understand and appreciate the impact this donation and subsequent partnership is sure to have on their students.

“We are humbled and grateful for the generous gift with will secure upwards of 50 scholarships a year for students,” Superintendent of Education, MCSD, Carl Michael Day said. “When we work together, we can foster positive change that gives our children the tools to overcome the generational challenges that poverty brings. We give credit to God for blessing our children and community. The choices that wend us to this moment are all about our children.

“When we empower children today, we create a better tomorrow.”

The MCSD has partnered with the Pinebelt Foundation to create the Marion County School District Educational Foundation Fund. The Pinebelt Foundation will oversee the fiscal management of the new fund and the distributions of its assets.

“Our organization is proud to be in the position to help make this dream a reality for the hard-working students of the Marion County School District,” Executive Director of the Pinebelt Foundation, Michael Dixon said. “We exist to connect charitable people to those who make a difference in our communities and there is no better than what has happened here.”

Applications for the scholarship will go live for potential recipients at the end of November. Further details and explanations of the application process can be found at https://www.marionk12.org/MCSDEducationalFoundationScholarship.

For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), and Facebook (@PRCCMKTG). 

Article by Alexx Kennedy.
Photography by Jacob Cochran.

Each community college president is asked to bring two (2) wrapped door prizes, minimum value of $50 each. We will have a station set up at the conference for you to drop off the door prizes.

Each community college is asked to provide name tags for their Board members, administration, and staff attending the conference.