Sequim High graduate Fallon Schneider and Soroptimist International of Sequim are helping “pay it forward.”

Schneider, a 2011 SHS graduate and herself a recipient of a Soroptimist scholarship, recently donated $5,000 to the nonprofit’s scholarship fund.

Soroptimists note that Schneider is a first-generation college student raised primarily by a single mother, and that scholarships such as the Soroptimist scholarship helped make college an accessible reality for her.

Schneider not only received her bachelor’s degree but a master’s degree as well and is now employed by the Gates Foundation.

“I am deeply grateful for the support of the Sequim Soroptimists in my own journey and wanted to pay it forward to support that empowerment of other women and girls in my hometown through my five years milestone award,” Schneider said in a press release.

The mission of Soroptimist International, members says, is to provide women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. For more information, visit sisequim.org.