SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. — Simmons Foods announces a new record for the M.H. (Bill) Simmons Memorial Scholarship program. In 2025, 118 students were awarded a total of $215,800 in scholarships — the largest class and highest amount in the program’s 46-year history.
These scholarships support the children of Simmons team members and growers as they pursue vocational, technical, and college degree programs, the company said, adding that the program was established in 1979 by Mark Simmons in memory of his father and company founder, M.H. (Bill) Simmons, and has since become a cornerstone of Simmons’ commitment to education and opportunity.
“This year marks an exciting milestone,” Mark Simmons, Simmons Foods chairman of the board, said. “Each scholarship represents an investment in the future – not just of these students, but of the families and communities we serve. We’re incredibly proud of this year’s record-setting class and the potential they carry forward.”
Since its inception, the M.H. (Bill) Simmons Memorial Scholarship has awarded more than $1.8 million to over 1,400 students. The 2025 class of high school graduates includes many first-generation college students.
To help celebrate their achievements, each scholarship recipient received a personal note from Mark Simmons and Todd Simmons, CEO, a yard sign to proudly display, and recognition on banners at Simmons facilities that feature their names and the names of their parents, the company added.
Beyond the scholarship, Simmons Foods offers a variety of educational and professional development opportunities, including paid internships, tuition reimbursement, on-the-job training, Career Leadership, and the People First Leadership Experience.
