The Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation handed out more than $750,000 in scholarships to local students at its annual scholarship reception, the foundation said.
The reception recognized students for academic achievement, leadership and community involvement, and provided financial support intended to help them with the next stage of their education.
Scholarship Coordinator Lauren Benton said the foundation has been able to grow the award pool each year.
"The number ended about 170, and we're still waiting on one committee to make their decisions and that is going to be a little over $750,000 total in awards," Benton said.
Foundation leaders said the scholarship program is one piece of a broader investment in the community. The foundation also runs annual grant cycles for area nonprofits and administers funds dedicated to local volunteer fire departments.
"We have annual grant cycles that help award to nonprofits in the area, and some of those are pretty substantial awards. As well as the volunteer fire department funds that we have. Those are for needs that volunteer fire departments can't meet elsewhere," Benton said.
One of the foundation's most visible initiatives is Texoma Gives, an annual day of giving that connects donors with participating local nonprofits.
Scholarship recipient Leila Dillard said the financial support eases the cost of tuition and other educational expenses.
"My education means so much to me. I was raised by educators. It's just a big value in my life. As you know, it's just so expensive. So having the Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation being able to support not only me, but also just so many young teens and helping them fund that and making that more affordable for everyone is such a blessing, and I'm so thankful," Dillard said.