JACKSON, Tennessee (June 21, 2023) – Leaders Education Foundation, a non-profit 501C-3, is pleased to award its second cohort with workforce readiness scholarships to meet their educational needs as they prepare to enter the workforce.
The program awards up to $1,000 to students enrolled in workforce readiness programs or pursuing industry certifications through community colleges or the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. Application periods will open annually on December 1, May 1, and August. 1 for spring, fall and summer sessions.
"Enabling our community's workforce development is a fundamental principle at Leaders Education Foundation," said Leigh Anne Bentley, President of the Foundation. "Given the growing demand for skilled professionals in our region, we aspire for these scholarships to empower a greater number of students to embark on their careers equipped with the right preparation."
There were 87 students who applied for the summer 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. This term’s recipients spanned from Chester, Dyer, Obion and Madison County, and included two Jackson State Community College students and three Tennessee College of Applied Technology students. Their fields of study range in diversity from Medical Lab Technician to Collision Repair to Respiratory Care.
"These workforce scholarships serve as a vital link, alleviating some of the financial burden by covering not only tuition but also various ancillary expenses tied to each program," emphasized Bentley. "No matter a student’s path to the workforce, we want to be a part of leading the way for them to get there.”
Community members 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, sponsorship 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 leadersgives.org.
About Leaders Education Foundation
Leaders Education Foundation is a non-profit 501c3 organization serving West Tennessee.
Established in 2019, the Foundation allows community-minded citizens, members, and organizations to unite to make lives better, together. The Foundation invests in the local community through scholarships, grants, and financial literacy resources to provide educational opportunities promoting workforce development, job enhancement, lifelong learning, and training for students, teachers, and our community. For more information about the Leaders Education Foundation, please visit www.leadersgives.org.
