Ed and Becky Meek Enterprise Grant Opens for Lafayette County Graduating Seniors

Graduating seniors at Lafayette High School, Oxford High School, and Regents School of Oxford now have until June 1, 2026, to apply for the Ed & Becky Meek Enterprise Grant, a program built specifically for students who fall through the cracks of traditional financial aid.

The program is designed to help students who may not qualify for federal aid or other scholarships by bridging the financial gap to post-secondary education. That focus on the underserved is reinforced by the grant's eligibility preferences: applicants must be graduating seniors from Lafayette High School, Oxford High School, or Regents School of Oxford with at least a 2.0 GPA, and preference will be given to first-generation college students.

The grant covers a broad range of educational paths. Whether planning to attend a university, community college, or a vocational program such as welding, HVAC, or diesel mechanics, eligible students can receive support to continue their education within Mississippi. That explicit inclusion of trade programs sets this grant apart from many scholarship opportunities that default exclusively to four-year degree tracks.

Students will be evaluated based on academic persistence, community awareness, and a demonstrated commitment to improving Lafayette County. The application itself reflects that community-minded focus. As part of the application, students must submit a résumé, transcript, financial documentation, and a short essay addressing local growth challenges and their impact on the community. Applications must be submitted through high school guidance counselors by the June 1 deadline.

Beyond financial assistance, recipients will also gain exposure to Mississippi's business and industry landscape, helping them connect education with future career pathways. The Ed and Becky Meek Foundation was founded in 2021 by Ed and Becky Meek, who grew up in Charleston and the Paynes community of northwest Mississippi; while the two have lived in Oxford for much of their adult lives, they have continued to be passionately focused on strengthening educational opportunities for individuals and economic development. Ed Meek, an Oxford businessman, has said it was important for his wife and him to give back since they came from families of little means, yet still received support from their Delta-based hometown.

The grant application is available through the Ed & Becky Meek Enterprise Grant portal. Students with questions should contact their high school guidance counselor well before the June 1 cutoff to allow time for the required documents to be compiled and submitted.