PBS Impact Foundation and Phi Beta Sigma Partner to Award $22,500 in James Weldon Johnson Scholarships
The PBS Impact Foundation, Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. have partnered to sponsor the 2026 James Weldon Johnson Scholarship, awarding a total of $22,500 to ten deserving students through the NAACP's scholarship initiatives.
Each recipient received a $2,250 scholarship to support their continued educational pursuits. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to academic achievement, educational access, and investing in the next generation of leaders.
The scholarship honors the legacy of James Weldon Johnson, the renowned author, educator, civil rights leader, and former executive secretary of the NAACP. Johnson's lifelong commitment to education, equality, and opportunity continues to inspire efforts to empower young people through scholarship and service. Additionally, he authored "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" Johnson as also a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
As part of the scholarship celebration, Justin M. Gibson, Sr., Chairman of the PBS Impact Foundation, and Dr. Reginald Gardner, a member of the Board of Directors, attended the NAACP's ACT-SO competition during its 2026 National Convention in Chicago. During the event, the Foundation representatives had the opportunity to meet a few of the scholarship recipients and participate in the scholarship presentation.
Their participation reinforced the Foundation's commitment to building meaningful partnerships that connect philanthropic investments with the students and communities they serve.
Recognizing the 2026 James Weldon Johnson Scholars
Collectively, the scholars are attending the following institutions:
Duke University
Duquesne University
Morehouse College
North Carolina A&T State University
The Ohio State University
Syracuse University
Tufts University
University of California Davis
University of Southern California
The recipients represent a variety of academic disciplines, including biology, business law, early childhood education, industrial engineering, journalism, political science, and technology and the business of innovation.
Demonstrating their commitment to academic excellence, the scholarship recipients have an average unweighted GPA of 3.75.
A Partnership Rooted in Scholarship and Service
The collaboration between the PBS Impact Foundation, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and the NAACP reflects the organizations' shared belief that education is a powerful tool for personal advancement and community transformation.
Through its Inspire Initiatives, the NAACP works with philanthropic partners to support deserving students in their educational pursuits. The James Weldon Johnson Scholarship provides financial resources that can help students navigate the costs associated with higher education while recognizing their academic accomplishments and potential.
For the PBS Impact Foundation, the partnership represents another opportunity to expand its investment in educational access and youth development.
The Foundation continues to support scholarships, fellowships, and educational initiatives designed to remove financial barriers and create opportunities for students to pursue their academic and professional aspirations.
Investing in the Next Generation
As the PBS Impact Foundation celebrates its fifth anniversary in 2026, partnerships such as the James Weldon Johnson Scholarship demonstrate the organization's growing commitment to collaborative philanthropy.
By working alongside Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the NAACP, the Foundation is helping ensure that talented students have access to resources that support their success.
The $22,500 scholarship investment represents more than financial assistance. It reflects a collective commitment to developing future professionals, educators, innovators, and community leaders who will carry forward the values of scholarship, leadership, and service.
The PBS Impact Foundation congratulates the ten 2026 James Weldon Johnson Scholars and looks forward to their continued achievements.
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