STLCC Students Can Get Lift from PepsiCo Scholarship

Ashly Cooper has been in the workforce for quite a while. She had a career that provided her a living and that she enjoyed. 

But she wanted more. She wanted a better life; something more intrinsic. 

“I decided to further my education and get my degree,” said Cooper, who is studying engineering technology at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park. “I just wanted to get something under my belt before I leave this earth.”

Going to college is a financial challenge for most people, and Cooper is no exception. Following her first year of studies during the 2021-22 school year, she found herself in a tight spot and needed help paying for college. 

That’s where Vanyah Moore and PepsiCo stepped in. 

Moore serves at the Forest Park’s program director for the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship program. The initiative provides $2,000 per academic year to Black and Hispanic students studying business administration, transportation, advanced manufacturing or informational technology. Under certain circumstances, PepsiCo students also have access to a $500 emergency fund.  

“The PepsiCo Uplift Scholarship definitely makes a positive impact on our Black and Hispanic students,” Moore said. “Outside of the financial aspect, students are also provided with various resources offered by STLCC. The more students who become aware of this opportunity, the more we can assist them in achieving their educational goals.”

This fall, 15 STLCC students earned the scholarship. Moore has 80 total scholarships for eligible students each semester, and the scholarship application has a rolling deadline.

In addition to financial assistance, students at STLCC have access to dedicated success coaches, emergency grants and financial literacy courses.

Cooper said her scholarship came at a much-needed time. 

“It actually was very helpful because during the summertime I couldn’t get financial aid,” she said. “It paid for my summer classes, and it helped me out because I didn’t know how I was going to pay for it.”

To be considered for the scholarship, students must be currently enrolled either full or part time at STLCC. Also, they must:

• have a 2.50 GPA and be in good standing. 
• have demonstrated unmet financial need under the standard federal needs analysis formula.
• preference will be given to incoming Black and Hispanic trade students and rising academic freshman and sophomores. 
• be currently pursuing a two-year associate/certificate.

Students can apply for the PepsiCo scholarships throughout the school year. Recipients of the scholarship are also not required to work for PepsiCo upon graduation. 

For more information, contact  Vanyah Moore  or call her at 314-644-9016.