October 2, 2025
Future massage therapists at Pearl River Community College are getting a boost thanks to renewed support through scholarships from The Sunray Companies, helping students trade financial stress for focus on healing hands.
The $1,600 donation is designed to assist Massage Therapy Technology students with tuition, books, and related expenses. By reducing the financial burden, the awards allow students to devote more attention to hands-on learning and coursework that prepares them for licensure and employment in a growing health care field.
Since its launch in 2021, 36 students have earned Massage Therapy Technology certificates under the instruction of Shannon Busby. Graduates have become licensed massage therapists (LMTs) providing services throughout the Pine Belt region. Currently, there are eight students in the program.
“We are incredibly grateful to Massage Envy for supporting our massage therapy students through scholarship funding,” said Busby. “Their generosity is helping future licensed massage therapists pursue their passion and build meaningful careers.”
Based in Mississippi, The Sunray Companies operates hospitality, retail, and real estate properties across Mississippi and Louisiana, including 13 Massage Envy locations. They contributed to the successful launch of the massage therapy program by donating six massage tables and a massage chair prior to the first class in August 2021. In recent years, they have provided scholarships for students.
“We are proud to partner with Pearl River Community College to recognize and encourage students pursuing careers in massage therapy,” said Amber Sukhbaatar, Vice President of Culture and Marketing for The Sunray Companies. “By helping more graduates become licensed massage therapists, we’re strengthening the wellness workforce and creating new opportunities to bring quality therapeutic care to our community.”
With continued support, PRCC’s Massage Therapy Technology program is poised to not only change the lives of students but also expand access to therapeutic care throughout the community.
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