Spherion Staffing and Recruiting (Spherion) is now accepting applications for its Sandy Mazur Excellence in Leadership Scholarship. This scholarship is open to high school graduates of any age with a track record of leadership, academic excellence, and a passion for serving others. Spherion, whose franchise community funds up to $5,000 for each award, invites aspiring and current higher education students to apply online now through April 30, 2025. 

The scholarship honors former Spherion President Sandy Mazur for her 18 years of dedicated service and commitment to excellence in driving careers and growing businesses. Established by the Spherion franchise community, it aims to support students who reflect Mazur’s values of leadership, dedication and community impact. Her legacy continues to inspire Spherion teams nationwide to make a positive difference in the communities they serve.

This year’s application is open to individuals enrolling in college, technical school or skilled training programs. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate a commitment to community service by sharing how they plan to ‘pay it forward’ in their future endeavors. Financial need will also be taken into consideration.

“Being part of a scholarship program that has helped students pursue their dreams for the past six years is truly an honor,” said Mazur. “Giving back is a core pillar of Spherion, and this scholarship is a great opportunity to recognize inspiring students who share those values. Best of luck to all who apply this year!”

Since launching the scholarship in 2020, Spherion has awarded more than $33,000 to 12 students demonstrating excellence in academic leadership and community involvement. The 2024 Sandy Mazur Scholarship awarded two students $5,000, the largest scholarship to date. These prizes were made possible by the Spherion franchise community, who hosted an online and live auction fundraiser to raise additional funds. Spherion’s scholarship committee selected the winners based on their embodiment of the characteristics of leadership, excellence, and passion that distinguished Mazur’s legacy at Spherion. 

"Supporting the next generation as they prepare to enter the workforce is key to strengthening businesses and communities, and I am honored to lead an organization that values both the leaders of today and those of tomorrow," said Kathy George, President of Spherion. "Each year, this scholarship program allows us to celebrate and invest in outstanding students, providing them with the support and encouragement they need to pursue their goals and make a meaningful impact on their futures and their communities. I am also incredibly proud of our Spherion franchise community for their generosity and dedication in raising funds for this scholarship, demonstrating their commitment to empowering the workforce of the future."

The Spherion franchise community, led by Beth DeLaney and Michael Chalmers, coordinates the online applications with Ohio-based nonprofit The Richland County Foundation, which disburses grants for charitable organizations. The application asks candidates to share examples of their community service involvement and how they “pay it forward.” With names and locations removed, Spherion’s scholarship selection committee will review applications and select the winner(s) based on merit.

For more information and to apply online, visit spherion.com/scholarship.

To donate to the Sandy Mazur Scholarship, please visit richlandcountyfdn.fcsuite.com/erp/donate and search Sandy Mazur / Spherion Excellence in Leadership Scholarship Fund to reach the donation page.