Twenty-three years ago, in response to the staggering racial achievement gap in Minnesota’s higher education, the Page Education Foundation (PEF) launched an inspiration–invite promising students of color support in their continued education if they would in turn invest back into their communities. Since its inception in 1988, PEF has parlayed this innovative idea into a catalyst for shaping the education and social responsibility of vibrant young people of color. We accomplish this by providing an opportunity for college-age youth to positively influence younger children of color. In exchange for their volunteer service to children, PEF offers these scholars mentoring and financial assistance for college. The program has grown from providing funding for ten students in 1988 to providing for over 540 today. These exceptional young people have given more than 325,000 service hours to younger children in an effort to positively influence their future education as well as an engagement in the world around them.

The foundation’s primary programs consist of: Service-to-Children; grants for post-secondary education; and Page Connections.

Service-to-Children

Services performed by Page Scholars impacts over 12,000 Minnesota children annually. With a focus on literacy, tutoring and mentoring, Page Scholars encourage K–8th grade children of color to view education as a positive and exciting goal. Each Page scholar is required to volunteer at least 50 hours during the academic year, participating in programs at nearly 340 Minnesota community sites annually for a total of more than 325,000 hours of service since PEF’s inception. 

Page Grants are awarded to Minnesota students of color who attend Minnesota postsecondary schools and agree to complete annual service projects with young children. Students at all levels of academic achievement can qualify for a grant. The selection process highlights an applicant’s attitude toward education, willingness to provide service to children, and financial need.

As part of the recruiting process, the Page Education Foundation has two concentrated efforts – AAMRI (African American Male Recruitment Initiative) and American Indian.  Due to historically low enrollments from both populations, the Page Education Foundation staff strategically recruits African American Males and American Indian high school students and encourage them to consider applying for the Page Education Foundation grant.

Page Connections

Page Connections is a program aimed at supporting Page Scholars as they work to successfully complete their education and community service. This program was outlined in part from feedback from our Page Scholars – they articulated ways the Page Education Foundation could support them while in school. Page Connections provides Page Scholars the opportunity to access support services on campus, internships/career opportunities, group service projects and ways to connect with other Page Scholars. In addition, Page Connections creates meaningful mentoring relationships by matching adult volunteers with interested Page Scholars whose college and career experience complement one another. Last year we had over 100 volunteers contributing to the success of Page Scholars education through this mentoring program.