Our Mission
Our Mission
Our Mission
The Ottis L Johnson Scholarship Fund is dedicated to breaking down barriers and empowering individuals who have been formerly incarcerated, experienced foster care, or served as veterans to access education and build a brighter future. Our mission is to provide comprehensive support, including scholarships and vital resources, to foster personal growth, academic success, and long-term financial stability for these underserved communities.
Our Team
Our Mission
Our Mission
Ottis, the visionary founder of the Ottis L Johnson Scholarship Fund, is a beacon of compassion and a firm believer in the transformative power of second chances. With a remarkable history spanning over four decades, Ottis has dedicated his life to counseling, motivating, and inspiring individuals facing adversity, including ex-convicts, felons, recovering addicts, orphans, and at-risk youth. His unwavering commitment to fostering positive change is encapsulated in his favorite tagline, "Ottis Loves You." Now, alongside his daughter Onyx, Ottis is translating his profound belief in second chances into action, giving back to those in need and championing a brighter future through education and opportunity.
Our History
Our Mission
Our History
Founded with a profound commitment to equity and educational empowerment, the Ottis Lee Johnson Scholarship Fund emerged as a nonprofit organization with a singular mission: to provide essential financial support to individuals within our community who face barriers to realizing their educational aspirations. Established with a vision of breaking down financial obstacles, the organization focuses on facilitating access to higher education, technical training, and vocational institutions. Rooted in the belief that education is a powerful catalyst for positive change, the Ottis Lee Johnson Scholarship Fund has become a beacon of hope, ensuring that every deserving individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to pursue their educational goals and build a brighter future.
Programs Offered
Scholarship Program
We provide financial assistance to individuals who have been formerly incarcerated, experienced foster care, or served as veterans. Our scholarships cover tuition, fees, and books, aiming to reduce financial barriers to education.
Online Educational Workshops
Our workshops focus on essential life skills such as budgeting and goal setting. These programs are designed to equip participants with practical knowledge for personal and financial success.
Career Development and Mentorship
This program focuses on aiding participants in their career journey by offering mentorship, job readiness training, and assistance with job placement. It's tailored to help our beneficiaries build sustainable careers and integrate successfully into the workforce.
Support for Addiction Recovery
Recognizing the challenges of overcoming substance abuse, we offer resources and guidance to those battling alcohol and drug addiction, promoting health and well-being as part of our comprehensive support system.
MEET OUR FIRST ROUND OF SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
$2,000 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Angeica M.
$1,000 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Zianna G.
$1,000 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Zianna G.
Angeica was once homelessness and abused as a youth. She was placed in the foster care system and had to overcome many obstacles through therapy, utilizing programs and volunteering 200+ hours of community service.
Angeica is attending community college with plans of working her way into to a neuroscience program/medical school. Angeica is also a student ambassador who helps students who were formerly incarcerated, former foster youth or low income.
We wish Angeica all the best in her future endeavors.
$1,000 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Zianna G.
$1,000 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Zianna G.
$1,000 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Zianna G.
Zianna was exposed to domestic violence, poverty, and drug and alcohol abuse while growing up. She was placed into the foster care system in fourth-grade. Although Zianna felt depressed and hopeless because of her circumstances; however, she always excelled academically at school. She made honor roll and was placed in a GATE program.
Zianna aspires to attend a 4-year university and attain a successful career in psychology. She has grown from the hardships she endured in her life and wishes to better herself and her future.
We are confident Zianna will achieve great things in her future.
$1,000 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT KARLA G.
$1,000 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Zianna G.
$1,000 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT KARLA G.
Karla grew up on the east side of San Jose and by age 14 she and her family were homeless and sleeping their mom's old beat-up 96' ford explorer. Karla also spent time in and out of the juvenile hall and the foster care system, but she turned her life around at age 17 after she gave birth to her first child.
Karla went on to graduate high school with honors and is pursuing her dream to become a physician assistant. She also hopes that furthering her education will motivate her younger siblings to follow her lead and to be positive community leaders.
We hope this scholarship helps propel Karla one step closer to her goals.
MEET ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
$1,000 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Dajon W.
$1,000 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Dajon W.
After navigating foster care, housing instability, and involvement with the justice system, Dajon remained committed to creating a different future through education. With perseverance, mentorship, and a determination to break cycles of adversity, they earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a 3.9 GPA. They are now pursuing a Master of Public Health at Brown University, where they plan to combine technology and public health to address mental and behavioral health disparities in underserved communities. Their journey demonstrates the transformative power of education, resilience, and access to meaningful support.
We hope this scholarship helps Dajon move one step closer to completing his education and building the bright future he has worked so hard to achieve.
$500 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT James C.
$1,000 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Dajon W.
After joining the military at age 17, James built a career as a Signal Support Systems Specialist and served on deployments to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. They are now pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Missouri. Despite experiencing a serious medical emergency that required hospitalization, surgery, and an extended recovery, they remain dedicated to completing their education. Their goal is to use their technical expertise to help provide reliable energy to communities across Kansas and Missouri. This scholarship offers essential support as they continue their recovery and work toward graduation.
We are confident James’ resilience, determination, and passion for serving others will lead him to accomplish extraordinary things
$500 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Danielle C.
$500 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Danielle C.
After spending much of her childhood in foster care, Danielle reconnected with her mother shortly before a cancer diagnosis changed both of their lives. Serving as her mother’s patient advocate—and later coping with her loss—inspired her to transform grief into a calling to care for others. She returned to school, shifted her studies from the arts to the sciences, and gained valuable experience in hospitals, emergency care, laboratories, and oncology. Now pursuing a nursing career, she is committed to helping patients feel informed, empowered, and genuinely supported during their most vulnerable moments.
We are inspired by Danielle's strength, and perseverance, and we are confident she will become an exceptional nurse who brings comfort, dignity, and hope to every patient she serves.
MEET ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
$500 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Loyal B.
Growing up in the Chicagoland area, Loyal faced community violence, negative influences, and a personal setback that could have changed the course of his future. Mentorship provided positive role models and helped him recognize his own potential. Now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Missouri, he holds a leadership role in the National Society of Black Engineers and organizes service projects that support local students and families. After establishing his career, he plans to give back by mentoring young people and helping them envision new possibilities for their lives.
We applaud Loyal for his determination to turn life’s challenges into opportunities for growth and service. We are confident he will excel as an engineer, mentor, and positive influence in his community.
$500 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Jamie B.
During incarceration, Jamie made the courageous decision to rebuild her life through education. After earning her GED, she became a tutor and encouraged other women to pursue their own educational goals. Since returning home, she has completed a technology training program, earned a 4.0 during her first semester of community college, and volunteered with an organization that brings poetry and literature into correctional facilities. She plans to transfer to a four-year university, attend law school, and become an attorney advocating for people with mental health challenges within the justice system.
We celebrate Jamie's decision to transform a difficult chapter of her life into a future of purpose and service. We are confident her education, compassion, and firsthand experience will make her a powerful advocate for meaningful change.
QUESTSION & ANSWERS
Who can apply?
Our scholarship fund has been designed to help students who have experienced hard times. Whether you have:
- Been released from prison/jail
- Been to juvenile hall
- Are a recovering alcoholic/drug addict
- Aged-out of a foster care system
The only requirement is that you are ready to turn your life around and set new goals for your life.
How can I use the Scholarship Funds?
Our scholarship funds can be used to pay tuition/books for a college/university, a technical/trade school, or a professional training course.
Who manages the Scholarship Fund?
We have partnered with Kaleidoscope a leading Full-Cycle Scholarship Platform to assist us with managing our scholarship fund. Scholarship applications are currently closed. Please check back soon for details about our next application period.
Still Have Questions??
Click the "CONTACT ME" button and someone will respond to your question.
HELP US TRANSFORM LIVES
Empower students with challenging pasts to embrace a fresh start through higher education or vocational training by offering your support and contributions. Every donation made on this website contributes directly to our scholarship recipients—100% of funds raised are dedicated to their benefit.
Our founders cover all administrative expenses, ensuring your generosity directly transforms lives.
Join us in making education a beacon of hope and opportunity!
