Focusing on a better today to create a better tomorrow for East Central Graduates.
Welcome to the East Central Dollars for Scholars website.
East Central High School graduates are eligible to receive scholarships given by and sponsored through East Central Dollars for Scholars®.
East Central Dollars for Scholars Awards Night
All donors, recipients, and community members are welcome to attend.
2025 Dollars for Scholars Alumni Recipient Spotlight
Bailey Beckman-Zimbelmann, East Central Class 2014
East Central Dollars for Scholars is proud to highlight Bailey Beckmann-Zimbelmann, a 2014 East Central graduate whose path reflects the power of community support and educational opportunity.
After graduation, Bailey attended the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy ahead of schedule, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2017. During her time on campus, she was also actively involved in She's the First, a student-led volunteer organization dedicated to promoting educational opportunities for young women in underdeveloped countries.
Following college, Bailey built a successful career in the hospitality and sales industry before launching her own business. Today, she is the owner of a thriving residential real estate business brokered by Root Down Realty, specializing in guiding first-time homebuyers through one of life's most meaningful milestones.
Bailey credits Dollars for Scholars as a significant part of her educational journey:
"Dollars for Scholars had a tremendous impact on both my life and education. When I graduated high school in 2014, the generous scholarships that I received allowed me to attend my dream school with minimal student debt. I worked two part-time jobs to cover living expenses, and having those scholarship funds meant one less major weight on my shoulders. It eased my financial stress, gave me the freedom to focus on my classes, and ultimately made it possible for me to complete my degrees with confidence. Years later, I was able to invest in my real estate career because I was not held back by severe student loans-an opportunity that I am incredibly grateful for still today."
Her story is a powerful reminder of how community support today creates opportunities for tomorrow. We are proud to celebrate Bailey and the remarkable achievements she continues to pursue.
What are our Dollars for Scholars recipient alumni doing now? Fill out the following survey to tell us more!
