$1,000,000 Pledge

To achieve SAGE Scholars goal of college access and affordability, in 2019 a pledge of one million dollars in hard dollar scholarships over a five-year period was made to the newly formed Educational Foundation with the mission of helping 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.

To support this mission, the SAGE Scholars Educational Foundation launched the first annual Dr. James B. Johnston Scholarship Essay Contest in 2019, awarding hard dollar scholarships to SAGE Scholars students attending member colleges and universities.

In 2020, with students navigating the pandemic, SAGE Scholars knew that the SAGE 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 successfully hosted the third annual Dr. James B. Johnston Scholarship Essay Contest and awarded hard dollar scholarships to students attending member colleges and universities. During this same year, the Educational Foundation also established the SAGE Secure Scholarship, a no-cost accidental death benefit for the family of students enrolled in a SAGE Scholars member college or university.

At SAGE Scholars, we pledge to continue, every year, to find ways to make private college more affordable for our students and their families.


View the SAGE Scholars Educational Foundation’s