Twenty-nine Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College students received $1,000 scholarships this week through the Round Up for Education program sponsored by Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association (PRVEPA). The scholarships, totaling $29,000, are funded through voluntary contributions from cooperative members who round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar.

Launched in 2012, Round Up for Education is a cooperative initiative designed to expand educational opportunities and strengthen local communities. Participating PRVEPA members contribute an average of approximately 50 cents per month, with the combined funds providing scholarships for eligible cooperative members, their children and spouses attending Mississippi community colleges.

“These scholarships demonstrate how small acts of generosity can make a tremendous difference in the lives of our students,” said Dr. Suzi G. Brown, vice president of Student Services, Enrollment Strategies, and Advancement. “We are deeply grateful to the community members who participate in Round Up for Education and to Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association for its continued investment in our students. Their generosity helps remove financial barriers and creates opportunities for students to pursue their educational and career goals.”

The program’s collective impact has grown significantly since its inception, supporting hundreds of students annually through the generosity of participating cooperative members.

The MGCCC Foundation facilitates the Round Up for Education scholarships for Gulf Coast students, helping connect community contributions with educational opportunities that benefit students and the region.

Through partnerships such as Round Up for Education, MGCCC continues to expand access to higher education while strengthening the communities it serves.