FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sonji Joyner
Communications Manager, Office of Communications
Prince George's Community College
joynersr@pgcc.edu
Largo, MD (February 10, 2025) — Prince George's Community College and the PepsiCo Foundation have opened applications for the 2025 PepsiCo Foundation S.M.I.L.E Scholars (Success Matters in Life & Education) program. This scholarship and support services program is designed specifically for graduates from underserved and under-resourced communities looking to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a Bachelor’s degree. The program is a part of the PepsiCo Foundation’s broader commitment to dismantling systemic and economic barriers for underserved communities and unlocking access to education, employment, and prosperity.
“At Prince George’s Community College, we are proud to collaborate with the PepsiCo Foundation to offer the S.M.I.L.E. Scholars program, aimed at removing barriers to success for our students,” said PGCC President Falecia D. Williams. “This program demonstrates our commitment to ensuring equitable access to higher education and workforce opportunities, empowering students to overcome challenges, and equipping them with the tools they need to thrive academically and professionally. Together, we are building a brighter future and creating pathways to prosperity for our community.”
The PepsiCo Foundation Prince George’s Community College program, including the S.M.I.L.E Scholars program, is designed holistically to promote access to education advancement by addressing the obstacles, such as retention, completion, and workforce readiness, that disproportionately impact students from underserved communities. The scholarship is specifically for first-generation college students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
“We believe in the power of Prince George’s Community College as a unique pathway for students seeking an affordable and flexible education that creates economic opportunities and enables them to secure jobs in industries with growth potential,” said C.D. Glin, Global Head of Philanthropy, PepsiCo & President, The PepsiCo Foundation. “Through the S.M.I.L.E scholarship, the PepsiCo Foundation and Prince George’s Community College are proud to work together, continuing to break down barriers of inequality and feeding the potential of students who aspire to continue their educational journey.”
The S.M.I.L.E Scholars program is unique in providing more than just financial support. The PepsiCo Foundation is committed to providing support services, including access to emergency grants, mentorship, networking, financial literacy courses, and career coaching to help set the scholars up for future success. This scholarship can be used for education costs, childcare, transportation, and basic living costs.
The deadline for applications is Monday, March 10. Eligible students can apply via Scholarship America here.
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About Prince George's Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2022-2027), Prince George's Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George's County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skill sets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 25,000 individuals annually, the College is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George's County.
Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enable PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. For more information, visit the College website at www.pgcc.edu.
Prince George's Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education.