Company : Brookshire Grocery Company
Program category : 2021 Youth

Origins:

Brookshire Grocery Company was very proud to announce the establishment of its “Focus on the Future” scholarship program in September 2020, which is a partnership with more than 40 universities and colleges in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. This more than $1 million donation is a substantial representation of BGC’s dedication to education and giving back to those who aspire to build a better future in the communities it serves. Focus on the Future is representative of BGC’s values. Since 1928, the company has operated on a strong foundation of core values. One of the six core values is “Results-Driven with a Future Focus” meaning BGC strives for positive results every day which allows the company to better serve our customers, communities and employee-partners. BGC intends for this scholarship program to award students, who need financial assistance to obtain a higher education, to focus on their endeavors to become the community leaders of tomorrow.

Contribution:

Various $25,000 gifts, such as to the Southern Arkansas University (SAU) Foundation, are being used to create endowed student scholarship funds to reward students for many years to come for their dedication, hard work, and outstanding academic achievements. As an example, at SAU, the scholarship is intended for a student preparing for a career in Business, Computer Science, Information Technology, or Communications. To qualify, applicants must be full-time students in good standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5. This grant was part of the University’s Love and Loyalty Campaign, an effort that is in its fifth and final year seeking to raise $22.275 million. Increasing the number of scholarship endowments available through the SAU Foundation is a major focus of the campaign. Similar programs, many that helped secure additional funding through other grants, are being established at the other 43 colleges and universities.

Objectives:

This program is designed to reward students in Brookshire Grocery Company's market areas for their dedication, hard work and outstanding academic achievements. The Brookshire’s and Super 1 Foods “Focus on the Future” scholarship began providing tuition assistance to graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in the participating institutions starting in fall 2021. Requirements vary by school, but the program's intent is to reward recipients based on financial need and leadership. The majority of the scholarships are established in perpetuity to be annual scholarships. A complete list of schools with the Focus on the Future scholarship program at Brookshires.com/scholarship.

Impact:

Focus on the Future is representative for BGC’s values. Since 1928, the Company has operated on a strong foundation of core values. One of the six core values is “Results-Driven with a Future Focus” meaning BGC strives for positive results every day which allows the Company to better serve our customers, communities and partners. BGC intends for this scholarship program to award students, who need financial assistance to obtain a higher education, to focus on their endeavors to become the community leaders of tomorrow. The scholarships are being awarded beginning with the Fall 2021 semester to students at 44 colleges and universities in 30 communities served by Brookshire Grocery Company stores.

Quote:

We were very excited to launch a lasting program which will help thousands of students achieve their dreams for years to come. We support our local communities and value education, which is one of our top philanthropic efforts. So many families and individuals have been financially impacted by the pandemic. We are proud to be able to help those aspiring towards their dreams. -- Brad Brookshire, Chairman and CEO

“On behalf of the Mulerider family, we are forever grateful to partner with Brookshire’s to create opportunities for future generations of students. Scholarships provide the margin of excellence that makes all the difference to our students.” -- Josh Kee, SAU Vice President for Advancement “We are so pleased that Brookshire’s decided to include NTCC in its scholarship program. As an endowed scholarship, this scholarship will not only make a difference in the lives of current students, but it will continue to do so perpetually,” -- Nita May, NTCC Director of Development, Northeast Texas Community College

Support Statement:

“On behalf of the Mulerider family, we are forever grateful to partner with Brookshire’s to create opportunities for future generations of students. Scholarships provide the margin of excellence that makes all the difference to our students.” -- Josh Kee, SAU Vice President for Advancement “We are so pleased that Brookshire’s decided to include NTCC in its scholarship program. As an endowed scholarship, this scholarship will not only make a difference in the lives of current students, but it will continue to do so perpetually,” -- Nita May, NTCC Director of Development, Northeast Texas Community College