As the cost of higher education continues to rise and questions about the return on investment of a college degree grow louder, institutions and employers alike are searching for ways to better connect education to meaningful careers.
A partnership between SUNY Westchester Community College (SUNY WCC) and the PepsiCo Foundation aims to do just that. The initiative is designed to create clearer, more structured pathways for students to move from the classroom into the workforce.
The collaboration, launched as part of a multi-year initiative in 2020, focuses on supporting students pursuing in-demand fields through the PepsiCo Foundation Scholars Program. The program provides scholarships to SUNY WCC students planning to transfer to four-year institutions, along with mentorship, career development resources and exposure to professional work environments.
The goal is not only to help students complete their degrees, but to ensure they graduate with the skills, experience, and confidence needed to succeed in today’s job market.
“This partnership demonstrates how education and industry can work together to create a tangible difference,” says Dr. Belinda S. Miles, president of SUNY Westchester Community College. “By aligning college pathways with real workforce needs, we are helping students move from the classroom to meaningful careers.”
From uncertainty to opportunity
For many students, the transition from community college to a four-year institution can be one of the most challenging steps in their academic journey, especially when balancing financial pressures, work, and family responsibilities.
That was the case for Susan Sanchez, who, after completing two years at SUNY WCC, faced uncertainty about her next steps while working full-time and supporting her family. After learning about the PepsiCo Foundation Scholars Program from a faculty member, she applied just before the deadline.
The scholarship provided more than financial support. It helped her transfer to SUNY Polytechnic Institute, where she completed multiple internships before launching her career as a supply chain planner at PepsiCo.
“The scholarship gave me more than just a way to pay for school,” Sanchez says. “It gave me direction, confidence, and professional mentorship when I needed it most.”
Other students have followed similar paths.
After returning home during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tiffany Patton enrolled at SUNY WCC in search of stability and a clearer direction. With support from the program, she transferred to Baruch College, graduated debt-free, and now works in finance at BNY.
For Khayri West, the journey looked different but led to a similar outcome. West returned to college at age 30 while working full-time and preparing for the birth of his first child. He used the scholarship as a stepping stone to continue his education, transferring to Pace University, completing an internship with PepsiCo, and now working as a strategic analyst on the company’s data and AI team.
“These students represent what is possible when talent is met with opportunity and support,” says Monica Bauer, senior vice president of social impact at PepsiCo.
Bridging education and workforce needs
Programs like this highlight a growing push to align higher education with workforce demands, linking students directly to career pathways and professional networks.
For companies, they create a pipeline of skilled, motivated workers ready to meet evolving industry needs. For students, these programs offer a tangible return on their education.
“This program is proof that, when education and industry come together with a shared purpose, real things happen for real people,” says Mark Stollar, director of strategic marketing and communications at SUNY Westchester Community College.
Stollar shares that the program has evolved beyond scholarships to include deeper engagement between students and industry professionals.
“A strong local economy is built on the strength of its workforce, and that workforce starts with access to education and opportunity,” Stollar says. “Through this partnership, students are completing degrees, building real workplace skills, and stepping directly into careers right here in the region.”
That connection is especially important in Westchester County, where employers seek skilled workers across industries, from business and finance to technology and supply chain management.
“When more students move from the classroom into meaningful careers, it strengthens businesses, supports families, and builds the kind of community that continues to attract investment and opportunity,” Stollar adds.
What’s next
Building on the program’s momentum, SUNY Westchester Community College and the PepsiCo Foundation are currently reviewing applications for the next cohort of scholars.
The application period for the 2026 PepsiCo Foundation NextStep Scholarship ran from February 2 through March 9, with recipients expected to be announced in late April.
Stollar says the college is excited about the program’s future and has seen continued success since its inception in 2020. The school hopes the program will continue to empower students and strengthen the community and workforce for years to come.
“This is just the beginning,” Stollar says. “Each new cohort represents more families gaining long-term economic opportunity, more employers connecting with local talent, and more proof that Westchester is a place where ambition is rewarded.”
As the partnership continues to grow, its leaders hope to expand access and further strengthen the connection between education and employment, helping more students turn their degrees into lasting careers.
Next steps
Learn more about the PepsiCo Foundation NextStep Scholarship here.
