Transforming Education and Empowering South Sudanese Youth: JB Favour and PASS USA's Global Impact

Education is a lifeline. But in the war-torn regions of South Sudan, it is often the only hope for a better future. The United Nations ranked South Sudan as the #1 poorest country in the world, with the per capita income in South Sudan at $455 (6.5 times lower than Haiti’s $3,108).

JB Favour, Executive Director of Padoc Area Scholars Society, USA (PASS), understands this reality all too well. PASS, a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organization in Minnesota, is driven by JB’s belief in education as the key to unlocking opportunities for young people, particularly young women, in conflict-affected regions. Under her leadership, PASS is not merely providing scholarships; it is creating a comprehensive, sustainable ecosystem of support that empowers students to rise above their circumstances and become leaders of change.

From Struggle to Strategy: The Birth of PASS’s Evolution

JB Favour’s journey into nonprofit leadership is a story of transformation. With a background in communications, storytelling, and fundraising, she entered the nonprofit sector with a unique perspective: understanding the importance of human connection behind every organization and every story. This human-first approach has been the cornerstone of her work with PASS, where the focus has always been on people, not just programs.

When JB took the reins at PASS, the organization was running primarily on volunteer support, but she quickly recognized the need for more sustainable and scalable models. PASS’s mission was clear: provide South Sudanese youth, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college, with full-ride scholarships, living stipends, and leadership development opportunities. However, there was a gap in the infrastructure needed to support this mission in the long run.

JB’s first significant move was to restructure PASS, transitioning from a fully volunteer-run model to a hybrid structure. This allowed the organization to scale its impact while maintaining its deep community roots. The newly designed operational framework included country-based coordination teams, fractional paid staff, and clear accountability systems, ensuring that PASS could continue to serve more students while remaining transparent and sustainable.

A Bold Approach to Nonprofit Leadership

What makes JB’s leadership distinct is her refusal to follow the traditional nonprofit playbook. While many organizations focus only on raising funds or providing charity, PASS has transformed into a comprehensive system of empowerment. The scholars supported by PASS receive more than just tuition; they are also given living stipends, mentorship, and a sense of belonging, ensuring that their access to education is not just an isolated opportunity but part of a broader support network.

“We’re inviting the world to join us, as donors, as partners, and as believers in the power of education to create impact and change generations,” says JB.

This invitation is at the heart of PASS’s new approach to donor engagement. Through innovative platforms like The Village, PASS is building a thriving monthly giving community where donors are not just contributors but partners who actively witness the change they are making.
But it’s not just about financial support. Under JB’s leadership, PASS has developed new systems of nonprofit accountability and transparency. Data-driven impact tracking ensures that every dollar donated is traceable to a tangible outcome, making each contribution feel personal and connected to a real story.

“We’ve proven that when you combine structure, accountability, and compassion, real change doesn’t just happen, it multiplies,” says JB.

A Vision for Long-Term Change

PASS’s commitment to long-term empowerment is evident in its approach to scaling. In addition to scholarships, the organization focuses on building a robust infrastructure for students, faculty, and donors alike. This means that every scholar is part of a larger community, a network of support that includes mentors, educational resources, and leadership development opportunities. The organization also fosters partnerships with other nonprofits and institutions to create a broader ecosystem of opportunity for these students.

PASS’s efforts go beyond simply providing financial aid. By integrating leadership development into the educational experience, PASS is building a generation of leaders equipped to drive social and political change in their home countries. This comprehensive approach to education ensures that PASS scholars don’t just survive in a global economy; they thrive as leaders and change-makers in their communities.

JB’s leadership philosophy, which she often summarizes as “people before structure,” has been crucial in creating an environment where PASS’s mission is more than just a goal—it’s a movement. This philosophy guides every decision made within the organization, from the leadership team’s priorities to the ways they interact with donors, staff, and students.

Empowering Young Women: A Mission with a Greater Purpose

At the heart of PASS’s mission is a special focus on empowering young women in regions affected by conflict and poverty. JB believes that education is one of the most powerful tools for peace and progress. By offering scholarships specifically targeting young women, PASS is addressing the deeply rooted gender inequalities that exist in these communities.

Empowering young women is at the core of PASS’s mission. In South Sudan, where women face significant barriers to education, JB’s focus on female empowerment is transformative.

"Education for young women is one of the most powerful tools for peace and progress," JB explains. "When you educate a young woman, you’re not just changing her life, you’re changing the lives of everyone around her.” — JB Favour

Building a Sustainable Future

Today, PASS’s work has impacted over 400 college youth across South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia. In the final quarter of 2025 alone, the organization disbursed over $300k in tuition payments, allowing students to stay in school, graduate, and become leaders in their communities. Under JB Favour’s leadership, PASS is not just meeting the immediate needs of students; it is laying the groundwork for a future where these young people will continue to create lasting, sustainable change.

Join the Movement: A Call for Partnership

‘’Our donors aren’t just supporters, they’re partners in rebuilding futures,” says JB. As JB Favour continues to lead the Padoc Area Scholars Society, USA (PASS) into a new era of nonprofit innovation, she invites individuals, institutions, and organizations to collaborate in creating transformative change. Together, we can ensure that more young people in South Sudan and beyond have the opportunity to rise, learn, and lead.To support PASS, learn more about their mission, or explore ways to become involved, visit their website at www.southsudanpass.org. Connect with JB Favour on LinkedIn or follow her on Instagram.