Nine JSCC students awarded $8,500 from Leaders Education Foundation

Nine Jackson State Community College (JSCC) students have been selected as the inaugural cohort of the Leaders Education Foundation workforce readiness scholarship. Of the total $9,500 in scholarships, $8,500 were awarded to JSCC students who are enrolled in workforce readiness programs at the college.

The inaugural scholarship program awarded up to $1,000 per student who are enrolled in workforce readiness programs or pursuing industry certifications through community colleges or the Tennessee College of Applied Technology.

“I want to thank Leaders Education Foundation for providing such an excellent scholarship opportunity to directly benefit our students,” said Dr. George Pimentel, President of Jackson State Community College. “Much of the burden our students see stems from financials. This scholarship alleviates that burden, allowing our students to focus on their studies, excel in the classroom, and further their careers.

The creation of scholarship program comes at the heels of an industrial boom in West Tennessee that has led to a growing need for properly equipped students graduating from programs such as the ones seen at JSCC.

“One of the pillars of Leaders Education Foundation is to support workforce development in our community,” said Leigh Anne Bentley, Foundation President. “With employment needs across our region, we hope these scholarships will allow more students to enter the workforce well prepared.”

Over 100 students applied for the first scholarship cycle from West Tennessee community colleges and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. The scholarship funds can be used for tuition, purchasing associated supplies, books or materials, testing fees or other costs associated with the program or certification.

“These scholarships help to bridge the gap between tuition and other costs associated with each program,” Bentley said. “No matter a student’s path to the workforce, we want to be a part of leading the way for them to get there.”

The following nine JSCC students were named as recipients of the scholarship:

• John Taylor – Engineering Systems Technology
• Grant Holland – Medical Laboratory Technician
• Shelby Bickerstaff – Medical Laboratory Technician
• Aletha Morris – Healthcare Technician
• Caresa Holmes – Medical Laboratory Technician
• Matthew Marek – Emergency Medical Technician
• Sydney Douglas – Medical Laboratory Technician
• Errika Stephens – Engineering Systems Technology
• Erica Reynolds – Medical Laboratory Technician

Application periods for future workforce readiness scholarships will open annually on Dec. 1, May 1, and Aug. 1 for spring, fall and summer sessions at leadersgives.org.