Goodwill Awards $13,500 in Scholarships to Valdosta Students

Goodwill Southern Rivers awarded $13,500 in scholarships to residents of Valdosta, Georgia, on December 19, 2025. The funding, collected through customer round-up contributions throughout the year, enabled 27 students to receive $500 each for their post-secondary education.

Scholarship Program Details

The scholarships are available to individuals residing within Goodwill’s 50-county service area. To qualify, applicants submitted a one-page essay detailing their educational goals and the impact the scholarship would have on their future. “You have to be a resident inside of our 50-county territory, and we ask that you write a short essay to tell us how this money would benefit you in terms of furthering your education,” said Jack Warden, president and CEO of Goodwill Southern Rivers.

This event marks the second scholarship day for Goodwill in 2025, following a previous distribution of around 400 scholarships. The initiative underscores Goodwill’s commitment to supporting local education, with funds generated directly from customer purchases in their stores. “It’s really the generosity of our shoppers that makes this possible,” Warden added.

Impact on Recipients

Local residents gathered at the St. Augustine Road location to receive their scholarship awards, along with certificates of achievement. Among the recipients was Jayla Lowery, a nursing student who expressed gratitude for the financial assistance. “It’ll help me with school, especially nursing school,” she stated.

In total, Goodwill distributed 190 scholarships across its service area on this day, further demonstrating its role in enhancing educational opportunities for individuals seeking to improve their career prospects. The program reflects a growing trend of community-driven support for education, fostering a culture of generosity among local shoppers.

As Goodwill continues to expand its scholarship offerings, the organization remains dedicated to empowering individuals through education, promoting personal growth and professional success in Valdosta and beyond.