Beyron Erby started working at the Metro Ford dealership in Tupelo, Mississippi, in November 1992. Erby worked his way through sales and management before acquiring full ownership, making it the region’s only minority-owned major car dealership. Now, Erby is giving back to his community and helping high school seniors attend higher education through a scholarship initiative.
Metro Ford launched its initiative in partnership with the CREATE Foundation to award one senior from 12 regional high schools a base scholarship of $1,000 toward college or trade school.
“At Metro Ford, we believe in giving back. That’s why we’re proud to offer The 12 Promise Scholarship, supporting local high school seniors as they take the next step toward higher education,” shared Erby.
Faculty and staff from each of the 12 regional schools will nominate students.
“Our staff is working with teachers from each school to nominate deserving students who may be facing financial hardships at home,” shared Erby. “Each student will have to turn in an essay and need to have an idea of what major or profession they’d like to pursue.”
The CREATE Foundation is a regional community foundation that invests in ideas, people, and partnerships to improve quality of life and encourage philanthropy across Northeast Mississippi, making them a perfect partner for the scholarships. But Erby is looking for more community partners to donate and help expand the funding potential for additional students.
“Every sponsorship we get, even if they don’t do a whole thousand, will allow us to add a school and help more students,” shared Erby.
Erby understands how a simple scholarship like this can make a big difference in a student’s chances at a higher education.
“I grew up with a single mom, and I know how hard it was for her,” shared Erby. “God has put me in a position that I can give back, and people in my community have helped me be successful along the way. This is my way of saying thank you and giving back.”
The program plans to host an official celebratory banquet or dinner for the selected student recipients once the full group is announced.
“Metro Ford believes when our community succeeds, we all succeed,” said Erby.
