Leaders Education Foundation Hosts Workforce Readiness Scholarship Reception in Partnership with Dixie ®
JACKSON, Tenn. (March 13, 2025) – Leaders Education Foundation, a non-profit 501c(3) organization, hosted a reception for their Workforce Readiness Scholarship recipients in partnership with Georgia-Pacific and Dixie® at Jackson State Community College. There was a brief program recognizing scholarship recipients followed by a reception. In attendance was Georgia-Pacific and Dixie® leadership, members of the Leaders Education Foundation, Community Colleges, TCAT, and Moore Tech student recipients, and community workforce leaders and partners.
At the start of 2024, Georgia-Pacific and Dixie’s® partnership allowed the foundation to double the number of scholarships annually to thirty, totaling $30,000. Since the inception of the scholarship program, 58 workforce readiness scholarships have been awarded.
“We were honored to commemorate each one of these workforce students,” said Leigh Anne Bentley, President of Leaders Education Foundation. “This event would not be possible without our partnership with Georgia-Pacific and Dixie® and their generosity. Their support helps us to empower and recognize these individuals who will become our future workforce.”
Students honored at the ceremony were students from West Tennessee TCATs, community colleges, and Moore Tech (Memphis). Students are enrolled in programs ranging from Engineering Systems Technology, Health Sciences, welding and more.
“We are committed to our partnership with Leaders Education Foundation as they champion workforce development across our region and inspire workforce students in our region,” said Mike Cook, Plant Director at the Dixie® facility in Jackson. “By investing in these scholarship programs, we're collectively building pathways to meaningful careers and strengthening the backbone of our community. The more we get to pour into them and help them flourish, the more opportunities they get to serve with their skills and dedication to their craft.”
Applications open for workforce scholarships annually on April 15, July 15, and December 1. Students who are enrolled in an approved workforce readiness program or pursuing industry certifications through West Tennessee community colleges, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, or the William R. Moore College of Technology could receive up to $1,000. This scholarship can be used for books or materials, program fees, tuition, or other educational needs. Applicants must be members of the Foundation to be eligible. To apply, visit leadersgives.org/workforce-scholarships.
To become a member and Give Forward with Leaders Education Foundation, visit their website at leadersgives.org. For more information about Georgia-Pacific and Dixie®, visit dixiejackson.com.
About Leaders Education Foundation
Leaders Education Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization based in Jackson, Tenn., and established in 2019. The Foundation allows community-minded citizens, members, and organizations to unite to make lives better together. It invests back into its community through scholarships, grants, and additional resources that provide educational opportunities and promote workforce development, lifelong learning, and training for students, teachers, and communities.
For more information about Leaders Education Foundation or to become a member and Give Forward, please visit their website, leadersgives.org.
