Our Scholarships

To further our mission to make higher education more accessible, Optimal launched its needs-based scholarship program in 2010. Since then, we've given over $915,000 of our profit to multiple recipients with high financial need and strong career aspirations.

The Optimal Scholarship Program has been temporarily suspended. We intend to resume, so please continue to check back in future quarters.

PAST WINNERS

Optimal was formerly know as SR Education Group until January of 2020, when the company rebranded. Many of our scholarship winners' quotes will refer to SR Education Group.

Debbie Hamilton
Online Degree Scholarship, October 2022
Debbie Hamilton
Mary Baldwin University

"I want to thank everyone from Optimal. This scholarship will help me realize my dream of becoming a social worker specializing in the transplant community. I am a recent heart transplant recipient and I know first hand the path we walk. I want to help others that are trying to traverse this often complex journey. I especially want to support the caretakers. I believe they are the forgotten participants in this journey and I want to actively change this paradigm."

Zakhyia Eagleton
Undergraduate Scholarship, October 2022
Zakhyia Eagleton
North Carolina A&T State University

"This scholarship will help me continue on with my studies as I navigate through being a first generation student, a young mother, and a member of a low income household and for that I am thankful."

Alexander Cruz
Community College Scholarship, October 2022
Alexander Cruz
Volunteer State Community College

"Thank you so much for selecting me as a winner of the Optimal Scholarship. As someone returning to my studies, managing the caretaking responsibilities of my disabled mother, and working where I can, this will greatly help me on my academic journey."

Dania Kabalo
Undergraduate Scholarship, July 2022
Dania Kabalo
The University of Texas at Austin

"As a first generation student of color, coming from a low-income household. I believe that this scholarship will assist in furthering my education with ease considering my circumstances."

Ebony Dennis
Community College Scholarship, July 2022
Ebony Dennis
Valencia College

"Thank you for choosing me for this scholarship. This scholarship will take away the stress I have for paying for my fall and spring classes. This helps me get closer to my goal of completing all my required courses for my associates degree within the next year. I work a full time job and have been putting in extra hours to pay for my classes. This will allow me to cut back on the overtime and focus on the work needed."

Tami Grant
Online Degree Scholarship, July 2022
Tami Grant
Walden University

"Thank you Optimal for this opportunity! My scholarship funds will help me continue my dream of working with Deaf children around the state and their families. I am so grateful for companies and organizations that believe in the power of education!"

Alma Arellano
Online Degree Scholarship, April 2022
Alma Arellano
Adams State University

"Thank you for the selection as this quarters Optimal Scholarship Winner. This will provide me the opportunity to take courses over the Summer and Fall to be able to stay on track to graduate while continuing to work full time. My goal is to use my future counseling degree to help students learn to overcome their obstacles and believe they deserve the best future possible."

Devon Norberto
Undergraduate Scholarship, April 2022
Devon Norberto
University of New Mexico

"Ahéhee' – thank you. I just wanted to thank the selection community for choosing me to receive this quarter’s Optimal Undergraduate Scholarship. To be honest I had forgotten that the selection date was this month and was completely taken aback after receiving the notification of my selection for the scholarship. The scholarship will alleviate any financial burden that I have to allow me to focus on my studies. It brings me a step closer to completing my political science degree and pursuing a career in government to bring positive change, equality, and reformation to our current system. Again, thank you so much!"

Paula Dockstader
Community College Scholarship, April 2022
Paula Dockstader
College of Western Idaho

"I am very grateful for this scholarship that is going to help me towards my goal of becoming a Social Worker."

Afrikaan Sahra
Undergraduate Scholarship, January 2022
Afrikaan Sahra
Seattle University

"Thank you so much for selecting me to receive this quarter's Optimal Scholarship. This scholarship will help me get closer to my dream of becoming a computer scientist. I am a senior, and I hope to graduate in Spring 2022. Upon graduation, I hope to work with the immigrant and refugee community in South King County, WA, to reduce the digital gap and help my community through advocacy and technology literacy."