Johnston County Education Foundation Expands Student Support with “Golden Ticket” $5,000 Scholarship

Johnston County, NC — The Johnston County Education Foundation has announced the launch of The Golden Ticket, a $5,000 scholarship opportunity that reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to expanding educational access and investing in the success of local students.

As a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Johnston County Public Schools, the Foundation created The Golden Ticket as a dual-impact initiative—providing students with the chance to receive scholarship funding while generating critical resources for programs and scholarships that benefit students across the county.

The Golden Ticket uses a contribution-based entry system, where each dollar provides opportunities to be selected, starting at $1. Participation is open to any student enrolled in Johnston County Public Schools, from kindergarten through 12th grade, provided they reside in Johnston County and ultimately graduate from the district. Participants must remain enrolled in Johnston County Public Schools through graduation to retain eligibility to receive the funds.

“This initiative is about meeting students where they are and supporting them in their educational journey no matter if it is now or in the future,” said Amy Burton, Executive Director of the Johnston County Education Foundation. “ For only one dollar, whether a child is just beginning in kindergarten or preparing to graduate high school, every student has the opportunity to participate and be selected for this scholarship.”

The last day to submit an entry is May 10th, 11:59 p.m. EDT at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/jcef-golden-ticket. Please find the attached flyer and see below for additional Golden Ticket details. 

Additional Golden Ticket Information

The Golden Ticket uses a contribution-based entry system, where each dollar provides opportunities to be selected:

• $1 = 1 opportunity
• $5 = 6 opportunities
• $10 = 15 opportunities
• $25 = 40 opportunities
• $50 = 75 opportunities
• $100 = 125 opportunities

Entries can be made online via Zeffy or through cash contributions at designated events. All entries are combined into a single randomized drawing, regardless of payment method. All contributions are final and non-refundable.

Each student must have an individual entry, and entries as well as any scholarship award are non-transferable.

Scholarship Award and Impact

The $5,000 scholarship recipient will be selected at random from all eligible entries. The winner will be publicly announced following verification of eligibility.

Funds will be held and administered by the Johnston County Education Foundation and paid directly to an accredited post-secondary institution on behalf of the student. There is no GPA requirement and no formal application process to claim the scholarship, reducing barriers to access.

Proceeds from The Golden Ticket directly support the Foundation’s mission, funding innovative classroom programs, educator support, and additional scholarships that serve Johnston County students.

About the Johnston County Education Foundation

Founded in 1990, the Johnston County Education Foundation (JCEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting teachers and students in Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS). Since awarding its first teacher grants and student scholarships in 1991, JCEF has remained committed to enhancing education through funding, programs, and community partnerships.