Bealls employee Amber Grace wins full scholarship to University of Phoenix

Amber Grace applied for the University of Phoenix scholarship last spring. She heard back in April with news that she was a finalist and that she’d hear more in late August. But a lot happens between April and August.

Grace, 25, more or less forgot about the scholarship and put it in the back of her mind — until Friday, when Bealls CEO Steve Knopik congratulated her on winning a full scholarship to the University of Phoenix in front of a roomful of her peers at the E.R. Beall Center, 700 13th Ave. E.

“The NRF (National Retail Federation) foundation offers scholarships each year in order to shape retail’s future by building awareness of the industry through statistics and stores; developing talent through education, experiences and scholarships; and fostering career growth among people who work in retail,” Knopik said before he announced Grace’s win.

Grace and her mother, Althea France, who was in on the surprise announcement, have a close relationship, and Grace is astounded France was able to keep the secret.

“I had no idea,” Grace said. “It was the biggest surprise ever. We tell each other everything!”

After working in retail for nine years, Grace said the scholarship will help her fulfill her goals and further her career. She got her bachelor of science in fashion merchandising and business administration from Albright University in 2014 and moved to Bradenton in December. Grace also started a nonprofit, G.R.A.C.E., which stands for Girls Rising Above Circumstances to Exceed. Since its conception, G.R.A.C.E. has mentored more than 50 girls, raised and donated 100 prom dresses to underprivileged teens and has given three youth conferences in two different cities, according to a Bealls release.

“It means everything,” Grace said of winning the scholarship. “It means being able to continue my education and not having to go into debt.”

Last year’s winner, Carol Rosenauer, 51, said going back to school has enriched her life in many ways.

“My sociology class was eye-opening to how blessed we are here in the U.S.,” Rosenauer said. “I learned what real poverty is.” Through the University of Phoenix scholarship, she’s also been able to take classes that have taught her about emotional intelligence and critical thinking, which gave her skills she can apply in her daily life and work at Bealls.

Rosenauer is looking forward to learning Spanish and taking a computer class, where she’ll learn about databases and software systems.

To grow her own career in retail, Grace hopes to move from assistant buyer to buyer. France was filled with pride as she surprised Grace and handed her flowers after the announcement.

“I’m ecstatic,” France said. “It’s always wonderful to see your children go beyond and do more than what you could’ve done. And she gives back to the community; she takes it and gives back to the people coming up behind her.”

This story was originally published August 19, 2016 at 12:50 PM with the headline "Bealls employee Amber Grace wins full scholarship to University of Phoenix."