Front L to R: Leigh Anne Bentley, Karen Fair, Mike Cook, Sam Chambers, Leigh O'Neill
Back L to R: Shea Brown, Ron Hill, John Edwards, Shane Holmes, Stephanie Riley, Eddie Hays
Jackson, Tenn. (Dec. 12, 2023): Dixie®, an iconic Georgia-Pacific consumer brand, has become the Workforce Readiness Scholarship presenting sponsor with an annual donation of $20,000 for five years to Leaders Education Foundation, totaling $100,000. Through this sponsorship, Georgia-Pacific further showcases its commitment to workforce development and education, aligning with the company’s values of investing in its communities and supporting the growth and success of individuals.
Leaders Education Foundation’s Workforce Readiness scholarships help West Tennessee students who are enrolled in a workforce development program or are pursuing industry certifications through West Tennessee community colleges or the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. The Foundation is dedicated to providing education and career development opportunities to individuals in need, and with Georgia-Pacific’s support, they are able to double the number of scholarships, reach more individuals and make a greater impact.
“We are thrilled that Georgia-Pacific recognizes the efforts of Leaders Education Foundation and wanted to expand the program and provide more students with the opportunity to advance their careers without the worry of paying for books or extra expenses. We can do the work of the Foundation because of sponsors like Georgia-Pacific, who believe in helping students in West Tennessee move forward," Leigh Anne Bentley, president of Leaders Education Foundation, said.
Georgia-Pacific announced in 2022 that it would build a $425 million manufacturing facility in Jackson to produce disposable tableware bearing the Dixie® brand, including the Dixie® and Dixie Ultra® lines of plates and bowls. The plant is currently under construction and is expected to begin operation in summer 2024. It will employ approximately 220 people once fully operational. The project is the largest single investment in Madison County history.
“The opportunity to support students who are pursuing education and looking to begin their technical careers is a privilege. Georgia-Pacific and our Dixie® team in Jackson are excited to give back by funding more Leaders Education Foundation Workforce Readiness scholarships,” said Mike Cook, plant director at the new Dixie® plant in Jackson.
In some situations, students may need every dollar to pursue their technical careers. Through this partnership with Georgia-Pacific and Dixie®, more students can receive assistance with costs outside of tuition. The Workforce Readiness Scholarships presented by Dixie® are open three times a year for Summer, Fall and Spring application periods. The next enrollment period opens Friday, Dec.15, and applications will be accepted through Jan.10, 2024. Students can apply by going to our workforce scholarships page.
Scholarship funds can be used for purchasing associated supplies, books, materials, testing fees or other costs associated with the program or certification. Applicants must be a member of Leaders Education Foundation to be eligible.
Anyone can become a member of Leaders Education Foundation through a one-time membership donation of $10 and stay updated when new grants and scholarships are announced. Any donation over the membership fee can be given in honor or in memory of a loved one. Through memberships, sponsorships and donations, the Leaders Education Foundation provides teacher grants, collegiate and workforce readiness scholarships, and lifelong learning resources throughout West Tennessee. To become a member or join as a sponsor of the Foundation, visit our website.
About Leaders Education Foundation
Established in 2019, Leaders Education Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization based in Jackson, Tenn., in order to Give Forward. Giving Forward allows community-minded citizens, members, and organizations to bring educational resources and opportunities to students and educators in West Tennessee. The Foundation provides collegiate and workforce readiness scholarships; classroom, professional development, and teacher appreciation grants; and supports other educational programs throughout West TN. For more information about the Leaders Education Foundation, please visit our website.
About Georgia-Pacific
Based in Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific and its subsidiaries are among the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, cellulose, specialty fibers, and building products. Their familiar consumer brands include Quilted Northern®, Angel Soft®, Brawny®, Dixie®, enMotion®, Sparkle® and Vanity Fair®. Georgia-Pacific has long been a leading supplier of building products to lumber and building materials dealers and large do-it-yourself warehouse retailers. The company operates more than 150 facilities and employs approximately 30,000 people directly and creates more than 80,000 jobs indirectly. For more information about Georgia-Pacific and Dixie, visit Dixie's website.
