For more than three decades, the POSSE Foundation has been recognized nationally for its innovative approach to college access. Rather than simply awarding scholarships, POSSE identifies high-potential students from diverse backgrounds who might be overlooked by traditional admissions processes and connects them with top colleges and universities across the United States. The scholarship does more than cover tuition—it provides leadership training, mentorship, and a supportive peer “posse” to help students thrive academically and personally.
At the John & JeJuan Stewart Jr. Foundation (JJSJF), we know how transformational this opportunity can be. The journey from high school to college is often filled with financial hurdles, uncertainty, and the daunting task of navigating admissions. Far too many capable students step back from higher education because the support systems they need are out of reach. The POSSE Scholarship directly addresses these challenges by providing not only a full-tuition award but also a network of resources designed to ensure long-term student success.
This program is important because it focuses on equity in higher education. While many scholarships reward academic performance alone, POSSE looks at the whole student—their resilience, leadership potential, and ability to contribute to a campus community. These are qualities that JJSJF also values and works to nurture in young people through our programs. We believe that access to higher education should never be determined solely by financial means or limited opportunity, but by a student’s readiness to lead, grow, and succeed.
For our foundation, the POSSE Scholarship represents a powerful bridge across the college access gap. It levels the playing field for students who may be the first in their family to attend college or who come from under-resourced schools. By providing financial support and a built-in peer network, POSSE ensures that recipients not only get to college but also graduate and move on to meaningful careers. This mirrors our own mission at JJSJF—to empower young leaders and give them the tools to realize their potential.
Another reason we support and value POSSE is its emphasis on community. Students enter college as part of a group of peers from their city who serve as a built-in support system. This sense of belonging can make a significant difference in retention and graduation rates. It is a reminder that no student has to walk this journey alone, and that community-based support creates stronger, more confident leaders.
As part of our commitment to increasing access to higher education, JJSJF is proud to serve as a nominating partner for the POSSE Scholarship. Each year, our foundation can nominate up to 15 students to be considered for this prestigious award. For our members, this is one of the most meaningful benefits of joining JJSJF—being part of an organization that actively opens doors for students to attend college without the weight of overwhelming debt.
If you are a student or parent interested in learning more, we invite you to connect with us. Together, we can help bridge the gap to higher education and create pathways for success that will last a lifetime.
