We Are Capital Region Sponsor-A-Scholar

We connect promising students with the mentors, resources and opportunities that prepare them for college success.
We have inspired and empowered more than 200 Scholars in Albany, Schenectady and Troy to earn their college degrees. 
We believe all students should have access to the networks of support they need to earn a degree and pursue their dreams.

Latest News
Look Who's Talking!
Look Who's Talking!

We're pleased to announce the speakers for our 2018 Scholar Celebration!

Read More →
Your Gifts at Work: Pamela Nomessi

One of our Scholars recently had the opportunity to attend the National Society of Black Engineers conference in Pittsburgh. 

Read More →
Meet the Alumni Council!
Meet the Alumni Council!

Learn more about the founding members of Sponsor-A-Scholar's alumni council.

Read More →
Thank You Blaze!

Our pizza party fundraiser was a big hit!

Read More →
20 for 20
20 for 20: Denise Gorman
20 for 20: Denise Gorman

Learn about Denise Gorman, board member and mentor extraordinaire. 

20 for 20: George Lopez
20 for 20: George Lopez

Say hi to George, a Troy alum, and a new mentor!
20 for 20: Charlie Buchanan

Read about how we got our start from Charlie Buchanan, one of our founders--and learn what excites him the most about what's next for Sponsor-A-Scholar.

20 for 20: Ryan Artis
20 for 20: Ryan Artis

Ryan, an alumnus of the first class of Albany Scholars says: "Sponsor-A-Scholar helped me identify what my goals were after high school, and what I needed to do to reach those goals."

20 for 20: Becky Daniels
20 for 20: Becky Daniels

Say hello to Becky, and see why she says "There is never a question that the students are the heart and soul of Sponsor-A-Scholar."
20 for 20: Andy Gutman and Emmanuel Tay

Hear from Albany senior Emmanuel Tay, and his mentor Andy Gutman about mentoring, goals, and giving back.

20 for 20: John Eberle of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region
20 for 20: John Eberle of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region

Learn how our partnership with the Community Foundation launched Sponsor-A-Scholar, and how their continued investment makes us stronger every day.

20 for 20: Elijah Foulks
20 for 20: Elijah Foulks

Say hi to Elijah, he's an alumnus of Albany High School and SUNY Potsdam. He's an adjunct professor at Maria College, and is also an artist on the side. Read about his journey, and how Sponsor-A-Scholar has transformed his family and his future.

20 for 20: Ellerina Lopez
20 for 20: Ellerina Lopez

Say hello to Ellerina, a member of our very first class of Scholars from Albany High. Since graduating from high school in 2001, she's earned three degrees, and is also the mom of three great kids. 

20 for 20: Sheila Dixon
20 for 20: Sheila Dixon

Real talk from Sponsor-A-Scholar alumna and international (!) basketball star Sheila Dixon. She shares the challenges of balancing sports and schoolwork, and gives advice to up-and-coming students.

20 for 20: Amy Vetger
20 for 20: Amy Vetger

Meet Amy, a mentor who got her start with us back in 2006. She has some great tips for new mentors. She says: "In today’s world, young people need many different adults in their corner to guide them through the maze of college applications and career options."

 

20 for 20: Travon Jackson and Justin Myers
20 for 20: Travon Jackson and Justin Myers

Read how Justin and Travon evolved from being mentor and mentee to lasting friends. See why Travon says "Justin has always been there when I needed him."

20 for 20: Linda Pelosi Dunn
20 for 20: Linda Pelosi Dunn

Meet Linda, a mentor who says: "I like mentoring because it makes me step outside of myself." Read how both Linda, and her husband, Ron mentored students in Albany.
20 for 20: Christina Lachman

Great insights from Christina, a first generation college student who is finishing her first year at Ithaca College. She says: "Sponsor-A-Scholar is a second family that I can depend on."

20 for 20: Amanda Hull
20 for 20: Amanda Hull

Meet Amanda, mentor of Jenesha, a senior at Schenectady High School. Learn why she became a mentor, and why she says to her mentee: "I got your back."

20 for 20: Onnolee Smith
20 for 20: Onnolee Smith

See why our Albany Mentor Coordinator, Onnolee Smith, says: "Mentoring is absolutely worth it."

20 for 20: Sumner Shapiro
20 for 20: Sumner Shapiro

Learn from Sumner Shapiro, longtime supporter, board member and mentor about the value of investing in our young people.

20 for 20: Alumni Jay Yaskanich
20 for 20: Alumni Jay Yaskanich

Read about Jay, a graduate of Troy High School, and an alum of RPI.

Kicking off the 20 Years, 20 Stories of Success Project
Kicking off the 20 Years, 20 Stories of Success Project

2017 is a milestone year for Sponsor-A-Scholar. We're celebrating our 20th anniversary! You can help by sharing your thoughts and experiences with us.

Scholars

We work with students from Albany, Schenectady and Troy, NY. Most of our Scholars are the first in their families to go to college. Read their stories.

Mentors

Mentors work with students to help them gain the skills and confidence to graduate from college. Hear from Ryan, a mentor of a Troy High School student.

Donors

Donors provide funding for the college readiness programming and student sponsorships that transform the lives of our Scholars. You can make a gift today.