The Evans Scholars Foundation and leading digital investment advisor, Betterment, have teamed up to give youth caddies across the nation a reason to cheer this PGA TOUR season. As part of the exciting new initiative, Betterment is pledging to donate $50 to the Evans Scholars Foundation for every birdie made by PGA TOUR rookie and Betterment ambassador, Michael Thorbjornsen.
This partnership runs through the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities on July 24-27. The donations will directly support the Foundation’s mission of awarding full tuition and housing college scholarships to deserving youth caddies.
A Powerful Partnership for Education
“At Betterment, we believe in the power of education to change lives,” said Sarah Levy, CEO of Betterment. “Through the Evans Scholars Foundation, young men and women can translate their hard work into an opportunity to pursue a college degree. We’re thrilled to support this mission by turning Michael Thorbjornsen’s success on the course into support for scholarships that will change lives.”
Established in 1930 by Chick Evans and the Western Golf Association, the Evans Scholars Foundation currently supports 1,190 scholars at 24 leading universities nationwide. To date, more than 12,285 individuals have graduated as Evans Scholars, helping to shape the future of golf and education.
A Personal Connection to the Cause
Michael Thorbjornsen’s ties to the Evans Scholars Foundation run deep. He won the 2021 Western Amateur at Glen View Club in Golf, Illinois, earning both medalist honors and the George R. Thorne Trophy. His victory placed him alongside legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods and strengthened his bond with the WGA and the Foundation.
“I’ve seen firsthand the incredible work of the Evans Scholars Foundation and the difference it makes not just for youth caddies, but for their families,” Thorbjornsen shared. “Knowing that every birdie I make will contribute to this cause is incredibly motivating, and I’m grateful to Betterment for supporting such an important effort.”
Giving Back Through Golf
The Evans Scholars Foundation’s work is pivotal in turning caddying into a pathway to higher education. Caddying is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity for young people to build leadership skills and academic success. With Betterment’s partnership, every birdie made by Thorbjornsen will further the Foundation’s mission to help more youth caddies receive the support they need to attend college.
John Kaczkowski, WGA President and CEO, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “We’re proud to partner with Betterment and Michael Thorbjornsen. Caddying is more than a summer job — it’s an opportunity. Every birdie made will help us reach more youth caddies and further our mission to develop the next generation of leaders.”
About the Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation
The Western Golf Association, founded in 1899, conducts national golf championships and sponsors the vans Scholars Foundation. The Foundation provides full housing and tuition scholarships to high-achieving caddies across the country, with 1,190 students enrolled in 24 top universities. Since 1930, over 12,285 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars, supported by donations from more than 43,500 Par Club members, Evans Scholars Alumni, and proceeds from events like the BMW Championship.
About Betterment
Betterment is the largest independent digital financial advisor, offering easy-to-use investment, saving, and retirement solutions. The company helps over 900,000 customers manage more than $50 billion in assets with low-cost, expert-built investment portfolios. Learn more at betterment.com.
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