Believing in the Next Generation: The Heart Behind the Andrea R. Lacy Scholarship

Andrea Lacy

As I sit down to reflect on the journey of the Andrea R. Lacy Scholarship, I’m filled with both pride and gratitude. What started as a personal mission to give back has now become a growing tradition of investing in the next generation of leaders. This year marks four incredible years of supporting students, and the meaning behind this scholarship continues to deepen with each passing year.

Why I Started the Scholarship
The idea for this scholarship came from my own journey. I know firsthand the power of education and how much it can change a person’s life. But I also know that even the most determined students sometimes need more than hard work and ambition — they need opportunity. They need someone to believe in them, someone to help ease the financial burden, someone to remind them that they are seen.

For me, this scholarship is not just about academics; it’s about possibility. It’s about giving students that extra encouragement to keep going, to stay focused, and to continue pursuing their dreams, no matter the obstacles.

Why I Continue to Do It
I continue this work because I believe deeply in the potential of others. Every year, when I read the stories of the students who apply, I’m inspired. Many of them are working jobs while going to school, supporting their families, and still showing up every day to pursue their education. Their grit, resilience, and heart are exactly why I remain committed to this scholarship.

This isn’t just about handing out funds — it’s about standing with these students and reminding them that they are not alone on their journeys.

Gratitude for Our Supporters
This scholarship wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our supporters. I want to give a huge thank you to Adobe, Hewlett Packard, SAP, PayPal, San Jose Earthquakes, Bay FC, Palo Alto Networks, San Jose State University, City of Hayward, The Irvine Company, Washington Holdings, Silicon Valley Mechanical, Berliner Cohen, LLP, Dexterity AI, Google, Intuitive Surgical, Bill.com, Sobrato, Mountain View School District, Dean Tollis of DAT Food Company, Fil Maresca of Filco Events and others for their donations and unwavering belief in this mission. Your support doesn’t just fund education — it changes lives. I’m incredibly grateful to have you as part of this work, and I know the students are, too.

Looking Ahead
Four years in, we’ve seen incredible things happen. And yet, this is just the beginning. I’m committed to continuing this work, expanding our reach, and supporting even more students in the years to come. The future is bright because of them — and because of people like you who believe in the power of education and community.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to many more years of empowering dreams and making education more accessible for those who need it most.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Andrea R. Lacy
Founder & CEO, Luv’s Brownies