SAGE Scholars Educational Foundation’s Formation, Growth, and Million-Dollar Pledge

Investing in Education, Empowering Dreams

The SAGE Scholars Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2018 to work with SAGE Scholars, Inc. as an advocate and promoter of access to high-quality, affordable, private college education. From the beginning, the SAGE Scholars Educational Foundation has been proactive in developing solutions and funding opportunities for students interested in or already attending member colleges and universities across the nation.

The Pledge and Its Impact

In 2019, the Educational Foundation pledged one million dollars in hard dollar scholarships over a five-year period. The mission has been to help families bridge the gap between what schools are able to offer in financial aid and the cost of tuition, room and board, and additional expenses.

The foundation launched the first annual Dr. James B. Johnston Scholarship Essay Contest to support this mission, awarding hard-dollar scholarships to SAGE Scholars students attending member colleges and universities.

“The journey of creating the Educational Foundation has been one of passion and purpose,” said Dr. James Johnston, founder of SAGE Scholars. “We recognized the urgent need for support and stepped up to fill the gap, ensuring that financial barriers do not deter bright minds from achieving their potential.”

Adapting and Expanding Amid Challenges

With students navigating the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, SAGE Scholars knew that the Educational Foundation’s support would be more important than ever. In addition to hosting the second annual Dr. James B. Johnston Scholarship Essay Contest, the Educational Foundation proudly stepped up with direct COVID-19 Emergency Relief Funds, aiding students who faced financial COVID-related hardships while attending member colleges and universities.

In 2021, the Educational Foundation celebrated a record number of new member colleges with awards to help first-year students. The Foundation also successfully hosted the third annual Dr. James B. Johnston Scholarship Essay Contest. During this same year, the Foundation established the SAGE Secure Scholarship, offering additional student support.

Continuing with the fourth annual Dr. James B. Johnston Scholarship Essay Contest in 2022, the Educational Foundation highlighted new Legend Scholars awards. These special awards proudly recognize visionary leaders who have devoted their lives to promoting the values and affordability of private higher education.

Fulfilling the Pledge

In 2023, the SAGE Scholars Educational Foundation marked a significant milestone by conducting its fifth and final Dr. James B. Johnston Scholarship Essay Contest. This event was met with overwhelming support, as students and their families expressed profound gratitude for the pivotal role SAGE Scholars played in their college selection process.

Throughout the year, the Foundation continued to extend its support through scholarships to a wide range of consortium member colleges and universities and through awarding Patrick J. Eiding Scholarships to the deserving students of Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) members. This multifaceted approach highlights the Foundation’s commitment to educational assistance and its dedication to fostering diverse opportunities for students across member institutions.

“When we launched the Educational Foundation, it was with the conviction that we could make a difference in the lives of students,” said Dr. James Johnston. “Every scholarship awarded is a testament to what we can accomplish when we invest in the future of education.”

Looking Forward

SAGE Scholars has prominently advocated for students seeking higher education for decades. The Foundation’s mission is to empower aspiring scholars and make higher education a reality for individuals from all walks of life.

“Our foundation’s achievements go beyond numbers; they’re about the impact we’ve had on students’ lives,” said Dr. James Johnston. “This success is a testament to the power of community and shared vision in making higher education accessible.”

We continue to find ways to make private college more affordable for our students and their families every year. For more information on the SAGE Scholars Educational Foundation and its programs, please visit the SAGE Scholars Educational Foundation.