Byron and Michelle Johnson Scholarship Fund

The Byron and Michelle Johnson Scholarship exists to close a gap that continues to limit far too many talented students: the financial barriers that prevent underrepresented minorities from completing their education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). While HBCUs provide supportive, culturally affirming environments and often more affordable tuition, many students still face overwhelming costs without family safety nets or access to sufficient aid. This burden is especially heavy for students of color from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, many of whom are the first in their families to pursue higher education and are working to break cycles of poverty through academic achievement. Funding this scholarship directly empowers these students to stay enrolled, persist through financial hardship, and ultimately graduate. It supports high‑potential scholars who demonstrate ambition, drive, and a commitment to impact—students who are already leading in their communities and striving to create a better future. Every contribution helps remove a barrier that should never stand between a student and their goals. By investing in this scholarship, donors are investing in equity, opportunity, and the next generation of leaders who will shape our communities, professions, and institutions for years to come.