518 ElevatED (formerly Capital Region Sponsor-A-Scholar) was founded on the belief that post-secondary education is the gateway to financial security and personal achievement. Higher education attainment rates among low- to moderate-income, first-generation college students tend to fall behind those of their more financially secure peers. Through ongoing educational, emotional, and financial support, our program breaks down systemic educational barriers and gives students the power to decide their own future. 518 ElevatED provides specialized programs, mentoring, professional guidance, and academic and financial support for qualifying high school students in the Capital Region of New York State. By assembling a network of business leaders, educational advocates, and dedicated volunteers, promising youth are provided opportunities and access to higher education that may be otherwise unavailable. 

Our objective is to see 100% of our Scholars graduate from high school and pursue a 2- or 4-year degree at a college or university. With more than 25 years of guiding students to success, we know our long-term approach works and as evidenced by our college graduation rate of 77% which is nearly double the national average of 39% for the same population. Scholars often return home after college to work in the communities they grew up in and will tell us of parents or siblings that have gone to college because they witnessed the opportunities an education can provide. Access to education and resources are important components to decreasing generational poverty and increasing economic equity. 

Each year our Scholar Celebration event honors our graduating high school students as they venture onto a new path through their educational journey. We are thrilled to join their parents, mentors, sponsors, and supporters like you to recognize these students and all they have accomplished as sign their letter of intent to continue their education at the post-secondary institution of their choice.