Celebrating Five Years of Empowering Students Through Perseverance and Purpose
Nationwide — As Andrea Lacy, the Founder and CEO of Luv’s Brownies approaches its 30th anniversary, the beloved Bay Area bakery is also celebrating a major milestone—the fifth year of its “Grit Award” Scholarship. Applications open December 1, 2025, for students who have demonstrated resilience, determination, and courage in overcoming personal challenges while pursuing higher education or vocational training.
Up to three scholarships, each valued at $500, will be awarded. Eligible students must submit a 500-word essay describing their “grit story,” along with letters of recommendation, proof of community service, verification of full-time enrollment at a four-year college, community college, or vocational school, and evidence of financial hardship.
Applications are due by 10 p.m. PST on Friday, May 28, 2026, at www.luvsbrownies.com/scholarship
“As we celebrate five years of our scholarship program, I’m filled with gratitude,” said Andrea (pronounced Aundrea). “This is more than a milestone—it’s a chance to inspire others and give back the same support and encouragement that once lifted me.”
Andrea knows firsthand what it means to persevere. Without knowing she had dyslexia, she worked three jobs to pay for college while struggling through classes at San Jose State University. After being diagnosed, she discovered that her learning difference was also her creative strength—she had transposed ingredients in her brownie recipe, leading to the creation of her signature heart-shaped brownie.
“If anyone understands the concept of never giving up, it’s Andrea,” said one of her board members, who inspired the name of the “Grit Award.” “We wanted to recognize other tenacious students who embody that same spirit.”
About Luv’s Brownies
Luv’s Brownies® is the home of the original heart-shaped brownie, an award-winning Brownies Bay Area favorite since 1996. The food/dessert truck serves Santa Clara and Alameda counties and offers heart-shaped brownie ice cream sandwiches and sundaes, Cuban sandwiches, drinks, and more.
Luv’s is a proud two-time recipient of the “People’s Choice Best Sweet” dessert award at the International Hospitality Convention.
Andrea Lacy developed the award-winning brownie recipe by accident and was later diagnosed with dyslexia. She created the “Grit Award” to give back to our community and to help make sure that some talented and tenacious young people enjoy the same opportunities she had to attend college and live their dreams.
A portion of every Luv’s Brownies purchase goes towards the Scholarship fund. The Andrea R. Lacy Scholarship Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in San Jose, California.
“The Luv’s Brownies Food Truck has expanded its business to Alameda County and has become a local favorite, appearing at community events in partnership with the Fremont Chamber of Commerce and Fremont Street Eats. The Fremont Chamber of Commerce and Fremont Street Eats are proud of the connection that we have built between awesome food trucks like Luv’s Brownies and the community that comes out to our events. Luv’s Brownies contributes so much to bringing a sense of community through delicious brownies,” said Napoleon Batalao, Director of Digital Communications for the Fremont Chamber.
Luv’s Brownies also offers nationwide shipping and local delivery throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including heart-shaped brownie wedding cakes. The brand has been featured on Good Morning America, Rachael Ray Magazine, Essence, and on the cover of Black Enterprise.
Andrea is also the author of Brownie Points: Seven Steps to Success for Women Entrepreneurs from One Who Made It.
For more information, visit LuvsBrownies.com
For press inquiries, contact Isabelle Robertson, Head of Public Relations at (971) 344-6824
