Dallas College is partnering with The PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic branch of PepsiCo, to allow students to win, $25,000 scholarships. 

The scholarship is offered to Dallas College students looking to transfer to a four-year college or university. Up to 10 $25,000 scholarships will be awarded to eligible students pursuing a career in STEM or business. Students must submit their applications by Feb. 28 to be considered.

Linda Braddy, Brookhaven Campus president, said she is grateful to any community partner who steps up to provide funding to students. “It is a constant need,” she said. “We always have students who benefit from scholarships.”

In an email to The Courier, Lori Jaide Watson, Dallas College Foundation deputy director, said the partnership with The PepsiCo Foundation is another way for Dallas College to help students with rising tuition costs, expenses and professional development. 

“The PepsiCo Foundation selected Dallas College as one of the first four education partners in a new $40 million program to support Black and Hispanic students across the country,” Watson said. She said the scholarships are to help students obtain four-year degrees in high-demand career fields. 

In addition to the financial award, recipients will receive mentoring and leadership training from PepsiCo employees and will have the opportunity to apply for internships and jobs at PepsiCo.

The program was originally launched in December 2020 and has since awarded 10 scholarships to Dallas College students, Watson said. 

The Dallas College Foundation works to remove barriers for students by providing scholarships as well as emergency financial aid. According to the Dallas College website, funding for scholarships is obtained through donations or by partnering with outside corporations such as The PepsiCo Foundation.

Iris Freemon, Dallas College associate vice chancellor for advancement and development, said, “PepsiCo had a need and wanted to partner with a resource that had a direct connection to the population that they are desiring to serve.” She said PepsiCo also chose Dallas College because they wanted the scholarship to have some programming built in that would set people up for success.

Freemon described the program as a model for future corporate partnerships. She said Dallas College is moving forward to establish more partnerships as they are beneficial for students and corporations. Freemon said the program not only offers opportunities to extend students’ education but also provides them with a pathway to job opportunities. 

Applications for the S.M.I.L.E scholarship close at 11:59 p.m. CST on Feb. 28. To apply, visit bit.ly/pepsicosmile.