Oliver L. Johnson and William A. Lester Families Fund Grant

The Oliver L. Johnson and William A. Lester Families Fund, established by the Pittsburgh Foundation, aims to empower students facing financial hardships, particularly those affected by systemic barriers to education. This fund supports high school seniors from Allegheny County and surrounding areas who demonstrate academic potential and leadership. With a focus on furthering education beyond high school, it seeks to foster a diverse range of opportunities for deserving individuals to contribute positively to society.

Pittsburgh Foundation
His founding vision emphasized local stewardship, donor intent, and long-term community impact, creating a flexible philanthropic model that could respond to both immediate challenges and future opportunities. Today, the Foundation continues to honor McKinley’s legacy by strengthening communities through grantmaking, civic leadership, and partnerships that promote equity, opportunity, and quality of life across southwestern Pennsylvania.
The Oliver L. Johnson & William A. Lester Families Fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation was created to provide educational opportunities for deserving students with financial need with a preference for students who have been disproportionately affected by systemic barriers to educational achievement, who are committed to pursuing formal education beyond the twelfth grade in high school. The donors, themselves African-American, seek to encourage and support students who have already displayed academic ability and leadership skills and who recognize that a solid educational foundation is a necessary prerequisite to making a positive contribution to society.

Eligibility

Attend high school in Allegheny County, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Washington, or Westmoreland Counties as a graduating senior.Demonstrate financial need.Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.Plan to attend an accredited vocational or technical trade school OR 2- or 4-year college or university.Preference will be given to applicants who have been disproportionately affected by systemic barriers to educational achievement.