Purpose

To promote continuing education by awarding scholarships for any course of study at institutions of higher education to individuals who demonstrate academic achievement, commitment to community service and demonstrate financial need.

Background

The Dorothy P. Ott Scholarship was established in 2024 to honor the memory of Dorothy P. Ott.  Mrs. Ott was a 24-year employee of Chesterfield County Public Schools, most of which was spent at Matoaca High School.  Former principal of Matoaca, John Murray, once stated she was the “face of the front office…she had a tremendous heart – she is irreplaceable.”  Mrs. Ott found joy in working with students.  She often walked the halls during lunch, greeting students.  She was enthusiastic about the Warriors football program, in which she volunteered for every home game.  She was also an avid member of Destination Church in Hopewell.

Policy

The scholarship program is available to seniors graduating from Matoaca High School. Student interns working for John Randolph Foundation are eligible to apply; however, foundation trustees, other foundation employees and their immediate families (parents, spouses, brothers, sisters, and anyone claimed as a dependent for tax purposes) are not eligible to apply.

Scholarship Applicants Must

  • Express an interest in attending college as a full-time or part-time undergraduate student (at least 6 hours per semester);
  • Submit a completed John Randolph Foundation Scholarship Application ONLINE to include the required documents which must be uploaded with the application;
  • Must have a G.P.A. of 2.5 or better.

Criteria Scoring

  • (5 Points) Letters of Recommendation
  • (5 Points) Financial Need
  • (10 Points) Academics
  • (10 Points) Extracurricular Activities
  • (10 Points) Statement & Essay

Procedure

The scholarship will be paid directly to the school for current year tuition, fees, books purchased through the institution attended, and on-campus dormitory and meal plan expenses. The scholarship committee will review and evaluate all applications and announce awards each spring. The committee will also review and revise the scholarship policy and criteria as necessary. To apply, visit www.johnrandolphfoundation.org, click on Grants & Scholarships and Apply for a Scholarship.

The application and required attachments must be submitted online no later than midnight on February 15. If the above due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, then the deadline becomes the next business day by midnight.

Required Attachments to be uploaded as part of Application process include:

  • Academic Transcript(s) (High School or College whichever applies.)
  • FAFSA Submission Summary (which includes the Student Aid Index (SAI): formally known as Expected Family Contribution (EFC). SAI is an eligibility index number used to determine federal student aid and is generated from the completed FAFSA Application.
  • Two Letters of Recommendation (Current)

Failure to submit the online application with all documents attached to the application by the deadline will disqualify an applicant from consideration for the Dorothy P. Ott Scholarship.  The John Randolph Foundation Scholarship Committee reserves the right to interview applicants in the final stages of selection.

The decision of the scholarship committee in all matters regarding scholarships is final. Canvassing a scholarship benefactor, any John Randolph Foundation trustee or employee shall result in immediate disqualification. Scholarship awards are subject to the availability of funds, meeting the criteria as outlined in the guidelines of the individual scholarship program and contingent upon acceptance and enrollment in an approved program.

John Randolph Foundation respects the privacy of scholarship applicants. Any personal or financial information will be used for the purpose of assessing the scholarship application and will be made available solely to the Foundation’s staff and scholarship selection committee. We make every effort to maintain your confidentiality.