Why Is The Andrea R. Lacy Scholarship Fund So Important?

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This month marks the first time Luv's Brownies will be handing out three "Grit Award" scholarships at a value of $500 each. The Andrea R. Lacy "Grit" Award winners were notified on Thursday, June 17th, to the students who showed the most determination in overcoming their hardships to pursue their studies in post-secondary education or vocational training. 

I developed the high school seniors' scholarship fund because I wanted to recognize other hard working individuals who were working on pursing their educational goals. While I was earning my undergraduate degree,  I was hustling to figure out why I failed the same math class five times, struggling with dyslexia all while working three jobs (bill collector, hotel operator and retail ) to afford books, tuition, room and board while managing to study. "When I think about all the people that have supported me over the years, I am so thankful for their kind words, prayer, counseling, mentorship, and financial assistance. The scholarship foundation is my way of giving back."

To be eligible for the scholarship for high school seniors, students had to submit an essay detailing their "grit" story. They needed to provide letters of recommendation, proof of their community service, a copy of their acceptance letter into a full-time post-secondary program or vocational training and proof of financial hardship within their “grit” story. 

From first-hand experience, I understand that many students struggle to afford post-secondary education with the rising cost of tuition and living expenses. From the cost of books, laptop computers, room and board and other hidden fees. The climb to furthering your education can sometimes seem insurmountable for many students. 

By creating the Andrea R. Lacy scholarship fund, I wanted students to know “I see you”.  A portion of every purchase from Luv’s Brownies® goes towards the Scholarship Fund. 

I am committed to mentoring the next generation of San Jose State students through the Black Leadership and Opportunity Center’s African American College Readiness Summit program. On occasion, you can catch me  teaching a course on entrepreneurship through Classes Without Quizzes, a series of workshops presented by San José State alumni. 

One of my board members that suggested we call the scholarship foundation the “grit” award because we wanted to recognize other tenacious students.” It’s been “grit” and a whole lot of prayer that has taken my business from baking brownies in my apartment as a college student to guest appearance on Good Morning America and to being featured countless magazines such as Rachel Ray and the cover of Black Enterprise magazine. 

 With overwhelming response, we received 400+ applications. But, we managed to narrow it down to three outstanding candidates. The winners are: 

  • Alejandra - William C. Overfelt High School San Jose, CA – Attending University of California Davis

  • Karla - University City High School San Diego, CA – Attending University of California Davis

  • Mikyah - Huguenot High School Richmond, VA – Attending Spelman College

For more information on how you can donate to the Luv's Brownies scholarship fund, click here. 

Thank you for being part of the Luv’s Brownies journey.
❤️
Andrea (pronounced Aundrea)

Andrea Lacy