At Prince George's Community College, the power of a gift goes far beyond dollars and cents. Every scholarship is a spark of hope, a lifeline, and a chance to embark on new beginnings. The PGCC Foundation harnessed that power to create life-changing opportunities for hundreds of students — proof that giving changes lives, strengthens communities, and shapes the future.

The PGCC Foundation awarded over $528,000 in scholarships to 237 students. Among these recipients, 24 graduates launched careers in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity, nursing, business administration, and computer science, shaping industries and strengthening communities.

The impact of giving was celebrated at the 2024 Partners for Success Gala, held on October 18 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. Honoring PGCC's 65th anniversary, the gala raised $431,000 to support student scholarships and academic resources. Contributions included more than $200,000 for the General Annual Scholarship Fund and $50,000 in endowed scholarships from MedStar Health and the PGCC Board of Trustees. Each gift is unique in its purpose and powerful in its promise, building hope, creating legacies, and turning purpose-driven lives into dreams realized, not deferred.

While the gala highlighted the collective strength of PGCC's supporters, the impact of that generosity is most clearly seen in the lives of individual students. Four PGCC students, all survivors of domestic violence, experienced the profound impact of a single gift through the Purple Skies Scholarship, funded by CareFirst. Together, they received $9,600 to cover tuition, fees, and textbooks, but the true power of this gift extended far beyond financial support. Each student also accessed personalized advising and career readiness resources, empowering them to heal, grow, and plan for long-term success.

"Before receiving this award, I wasn't sure how to stay in school," one Purple Skies Scholar shared. "Now I can focus on my classes and plan for my future."

This scholarship is more than aid; it is a path to possibility. With additional funding for fall 2025, the Purple Skies Scholarship is expected to lift 25 students by year's end, each one a living testament to the life-changing power of giving.

In 2025, PGCC amplified this impact with the launch of the PepsiCo Uplift Scholars Program, supported by the PepsiCo Foundation. In total, 21 continuing education and 27 credit scholarship recipients benefited from programs like this, remaining enrolled, excelling academically, and stepping confidently toward their goals.

"Our partners play a critical role in shaping the future of PGCC students," Dena Wilson, executive director, Office of Institutional Advancement and the PGCC Foundation, said. "Together, we're creating life-changing opportunities and building stronger communities."

Collectively, these stories show how PGCC and its partners turn opportunity into real student success. Their investment opens doors, builds confidence, and moves students forward. PGCC believes every gift matters, every story counts, and every student has the potential to soar.

Honoring Excellence, Inspiring The Future

Generosity takes shape in the stories of those who give and those who rise. Few stories are as inspiring as the MedStar Health Marilyn Suggs Nursing Excellence Endowed Scholarship. Named for PGCC alumna, U.S. Army veteran, and nurse Marilyn E. Suggs, the fund was first established by her children to honor her remarkable journey. Today, with the support of MedStar Health, it empowers nursing students who are committed to excellence, compassion, and leadership in health care.

"Renaming this scholarship honors Marilyn Suggs' extraordinary path from a student at Prince George's Community College to a dedicated professional at MedStar Health," Dr. Stephen T. Michaels, president of MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, said. "Her story shows how education opens doors, sparks opportunity, and transforms lives."

Endowed scholarships like the Marilyn Suggs fund create a legacy of impact. Permanently invested, with only the earnings used for annual awards, these gifts ensure that generations of students will have the support, encouragement, and resources to reach their dreams. Each gift tells a story of hope, perseverance, and the incredible power of giving.