Pierce City High School is proud to annouce that Broc Olivier, Class of 2025, has been awarded a rootEd Undergraduate Scholarship of up to $12,000 annually, renewable for up to five years, to support his pursuit of a bachelor's degree. The rootEd Undergraduate Scholarship is a "last dollar" award, designed to fill critical financial aid gaps after all other sources are considered, ensuring that rural students can attend college and graduate with little to no debt.
"The RootEd Undergraduate Scholarship made Mizzou possible for me. I am so blessed to have received the crucial financial and emotional support from RootEd and The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis with special thanks to DeVonte' Jackson, my assigned student advisor, in aiding my pursuit of a Speical Education degree. This support system, in addition to my Pierce City family, has granted me peace of mind to pursue college without worry." said Broc Olivier.
Broc graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a recipient of the Bright Flight Scholarship. He was a cadet teacher at the Pierce City Central Elementary School his senior year and found that he enjoyed turoring kids with special needs. Broc intends to use this scholarship toward a Special Education degree at Mizzou, but is looking at potential majors/double majors as well. Jennifer Cogburn, rootEd College & Career Advisor, "We are thrilled that Broc is being recognized for his hard work and commitment to his education. This rootEd Scholarship provides life-changing support as Broc takes the next step in building his future and we are excited for what that future holds."
rootEd Alliance, a national nonprofit, partners with rural high schools across Missouri to ensure every student graduates with a plan for what's next-whether college, career training, miliatry service, or entering the workforce. Since launching in Missouri in 2018, rootEd advisors have supported more than 54,000 students across the state in defining and pursuing their goals. Now, thanks to a significant increase in state funding through Missouri's fiscal 2026 budget, signed in July 2025, rootEd is serving 174 schools statewide and reaching approximately half of all rural high schools in Missouri with a dedicated college and career advisor.
"These rootEd schoalrships recognize both the hard work these students have already demonstrated and the tremendous potential they hold fo rthe future," said Noa Meyer, Chari of rootEd Alliance. "Congratualations to Broc Olivier- rootEd is honored to be in your corner as you take this next step."
The scholarships are administered by The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, which as more than 100 years of experience supporting Missouri students through last-dollar scholarships, mentoring, and other services.
About rootEd Alliance
Every student should graduate high school on a path to a well-paying job and economic stability. rootEd Alliance places dedicated college and career advisors in rural high schools to work one-on-one with all seniors to define and create a plan for their future, whether through a collge degree, work-based learning, or military service. Launched in 2018 and now operating in Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Alaska, Idaho, rootEd advisiors will serve over 20,000 students at 280 rural high schools in the 2025-2026 academic year. rootEd Alliance is made possible by a group of philanthropists, convened by BDT& MSD Partners.