NATCHITOCHES – Brookshire Grocery Co. (BGC) announced the establishment of the Focus on the Future scholarship program in partnership with more than 40 college and universities in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas, including Northwestern State University. The company is disbursing more than $1 million to represent “BGC’s dedication to education and giving back to those who aspire to build a better future in the communities it serves.”

“We are very excited to launch a lasting program that will help thousands of students achieve their dreams for years to come,” said Brad Brookshire, Chairman and CEO for Brookshire Grocery Co. “We support our local communities and value education which is one of our top philanthropic efforts. So many families and individuals have been financially impacted by the pandemic. We are proud to be able to help those aspiring towards their dreams.”

The NSU Foundation received a $25,000 donation from the company to create an endowed scholarship that will be awarded to multiple students majoring in business, computer information systems, communications or marketing.  Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.5 or better.

“Brookshire Grocery Co. has been a community partner to NSU for many years, supporting Athletics, registered student organizations and numerous campus philanthropies,” said Erin Dupree, NSU’s assistant director of Donor Relations. “We are grateful that this regional company is committed to supporting students in a tri-state area, including the many Northwestern State students pursuing careers in the specified disciplines.”

The Focus on the Future program is designed to reward students in BGC’s market areas for their dedication, hard work and outstanding academic achievements. The Brookshire’s and Super 1 Foods “Focus on the Future” scholarship will provide tuition assistance to graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in the participating institutions starting in fall 2021. Requirements will vary by school, but the program intends to reward recipients based on financial need and leadership. The majority of the scholarships are established in perpetuity to be annual scholarships. Applicants can find a complete list of schools with the Focus on the Future scholarship program at Brookshires.com/scholarship.

Focus on the Future is representative of the core values in which BGC has operated since 1928.  One of the six core values is “Results-Driven with a Future Focus” meaning BGC strives for positive results every day which allows the company to better serve customers, communities and employee-partners. BGC intends for the scholarship program to award students who need financial assistance to obtain a higher education, to focus on their endeavors to become the community leaders of tomorrow.

Based in Tyler, Texas, BGC is a regional family-owned grocery business that employs more than 15,000 individuals throughout Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. The company operates more than 180 stores under the Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods, FRESH by Brookshire’s and Spring Market banners, along with three distribution centers and corporate offices.