Round Up Program Helps 185 Students

Over the course of the last 12 years, Pearl River Valley Electric’s Round Up for Education program has helped over 2,000 students achieve higher education. This fall, 185 students throughout Pearl River Valley Electric’s 12-county service area will get a financial boost as they begin their school year. Each will receive a scholarship of $800 to help them attend state community colleges, thanks to the generous spirit and support of our members.

Pearl River Valley Electric’s Round Up for Education program is funded by members who round their bills up to the nearest dollar each month. Scholarships are available to members who participate in the program, as well as for their spouses or dependent children who are enrolled as freshmen this fall.

“The dedication of our members allows our electric cooperative to do amazing things,” said CEO/General Manager Matthew Ware. “Without their support of our Round Up for Education program, we wouldn’t be able to improve the lives of so many students.”

Since the Round Up program began in November 2012, nearly 2.5 million has been collected and deposited in an account overseen by the Pine Belt Foundation. Ten percent of each year’s funds are set aside in an endowed fund for future scholarship opportunities. The remaining money is divided equally between the number of eligible applicants, resulting this year in 185 scholarships worth $800 per student. In the program’s 12 years, 2,354 students have now received scholarships.

Scholarship recipients this year include 110 students attending Pearl River Community College, 31 at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, and 26 at Jones County Junior College. An additional 18 students are attending six other state community colleges. Overall, students came from 19 different high schools and home school programs.

“Sometimes the smallest gestures, like donating 50 cents a month, can make the biggest impact in our communities,” said Ware. “While it may not seem like your spare change can do much, when combined with the generosity of other Pearl River Valley Electric members, you can help change the life of a fellow member while also improving your local community. This program shows how working together can make a big difference – and that is the cooperative way.”

Round Up for Education funds collected after August 1 go toward next year’s scholarships. Applications for 2025 scholarships will be available beginning this month.