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.
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.
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!
