PepsiCo Foundation Scholarship Supports STLCC Student Success

July 01, 2026

STLCC Grad Jayson Minner at commencement

When Jayson Minner graduated from St. Louis Community College in May 2024 with a perfect 4.0 GPA, he had big dreams of transferring to a four-year university. Thanks to the PepsiCo Foundation Scholars Program, those dreams became reality.

The program is designed specifically for community college graduates who want to pursue a bachelor's degree. It provides both financial support and wraparound services to help students successfully transition from community college to a four-year institution—exactly what Minner needed to make the leap to Washington University in St. Louis (WashU).

Finding His Path at STLCC

Minner’s journey to becoming a PepsiCo Foundation scholar wasn't linear. He started his college career at DePaul University in Chicago but quickly realized something was missing. He felt alone and couldn't find the community and support he needed to thrive.

So, he made a bold choice: he transferred to STLCC's Florissant Valley campus. There, he discovered a tight-knit community that helped students overcome barriers and reach their goals.

"It was a great eye-opening experience that helped me figure out that mentorship is very important in my life," Minner said. "Regardless of age, where you come from, anything about you, you always have something you can give this world."

STLCC gave Minner more than academic support. It provided him a place where his voice was heard and where students mentored each other through life's challenges.

The Scholarship That Changed Everything

Jayson graduated from STLCC with an associate degree in general transfer studies and a perfect 4.0 GPA. His hard work and dedication made him an ideal candidate for the PepsiCo Foundation Scholars Program.

This scholarship does more than just cover tuition; it provides the comprehensive support services that community college transfer students need to succeed at four-year universities. For students like Minner, this kind of support can make the difference between dreaming about a bachelor's degree and earning one.

Mysha Clincy, coordinator of student retention programs at STLCC, watched Minner grow from a student in a summer bridge program to a scholarship recipient ready for the next level.

"It feels wonderful knowing my work is impacting students and helping them get to the finish line," Clincy said. “Jayson listened and followed my instructions, which included getting a corporate mentor, applying for scholarships and finding a good school to transfer to when he completes his associate degree at STLCC."

Thriving at WashU

With the PepsiCo Foundation Scholars Program supporting his transition, Jayson Minner transferred to Washington University in St. Louis, where he studied leadership and management with a certificate in marketing. He didn't just survive, he thrived, graduating with an impressive 3.9 GPA.

At WashU, Minner:

Became a member of the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society.
Completed a Capstone research project on how artificial intelligence is changing business leadership.
Interned at World Wide Technology, where he grew as a professional and built lasting connections.
Learned to think critically, solve problems and understand different perspectives.

"I finished with a 3.9 GPA, and I truly believe that wouldn't have been possible without God and the community He's blessed me with," Minner shared on LinkedIn.

Giving Back Through Public Service

Throughout his journey, Jayson never forgot the importance of service. His internship at World Wide Technology and his work with St. Louis Community College taught him that "public service is first about caring for those around you and striving to see the best for these people."

After graduating from Washington University in May 2026, Minner is heading to Nashville to join the State of Tennessee as a Governor's Management Fellow. In this role, he'll work on projects that directly impact communities across the state.

"I've always been passionate about making an impact in different communities, and this fellowship is an incredible opportunity to put that passion into action,” Minner said.

The Power of Scholarships

Jayson Minner’s story shows the transformative impact of scholarships designed specifically for community college transfer students. The PepsiCo Foundation Scholars Program recognizes that talented students often face unique challenges when transferring to four-year universities and provides the resources to help them succeed.

"STLCC taught me how to chase my dreams while still maintaining active involvement in my community," Jayson reflected. "I truly cherish my time as an Archer and hope to continue making an impact as a member of the STLCC family."

From STLCC to Washington University to public service in Tennessee, Jayson Minner's journey proves that when opportunity meets preparation, and when scholarships provide the bridge, there's no limit to what students can achieve.

Congratulations, Jayson! Your success inspires us all.