Final answer:
Scholarship America is the organization that has raised over $4.5 billion for needy students, offering scholarships that aid in funding college education, part of a tradition of educational philanthropy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The organization that has raised over $4.5 billion to help needy students is Scholarship America. This nonprofit organization specializes in providing scholarships and educational support to students across the United States. Scholarship America has been instrumental in aiding students in covering the costs of their college education, following a long history of educational philanthropy in the country. Mark Zuckerberg's donation to Newark's school system was also an example of such philanthropy, although the outcomes have been widely debated.
Supporting education through scholarships can come from various sources, including state governments, schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits like the Open Society Foundations, and professional organizations. These scholarships serve as a critical resource for students who need financial assistance to pursue higher education. Various foundations and organizations continually contribute to educational causes, illustrating the wide array of philanthropic support available.