Purpose

To promote ongoing education by awarding scholarships for any course of study. However, priority may be given to students raised by a single parent who are majoring in Education or pursuing a wide range of STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, and commitment to the community through volunteer service. Institutions may include trade/technical colleges, community colleges, and four-year colleges or universities.

Background

Jo Turek is a dedicated and passionate advocate with a deep connection to the Tri-Cities community. She attended Prince George County High School and is an alumna of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Ms. Turek has taken on a variety of roles within city and county governments throughout Virginia, gaining valuable insights into local governance and a strong appreciation for the unique needs of her community. Currently, she serves as a board of trustee of John Randolph Foundation, where she works diligently to create a positive impact in the community.

Shirley Hall was raised in Chesterfield County and has proudly called the Tri-Cities home for the past 30 years. As a proud graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), she had a rewarding career at Dominion Energy and Philip Morris USA before retiring. Her extensive experience with these well-known companies has given her unique insights into community involvement and the importance of building strong connections. As a dedicated community member, she continues to inspire others to get involved and make a positive impact, helping to ensure that the place she calls home thrives for generations to come.

Jo Turek and Shirley Hall sincerely value the many opportunities that have greatly enriched their lives. They understand the importance of supporting their community and are dedicated to giving back through this scholarship. By offering financial help to deserving students, they hope to open doors for future generations to reach their educational goals.

Policy

The scholarship program is available to residents of the City of Hopewell and the following localities: Prince George, Colonial Heights, Petersburg, Fort Lee, Dinwiddie, Sussex, Surry, Chesterfield (South of Rt. 288 and East of Ironbridge Road), Charles City and Varina (Southeast Henrico, south of I-64). 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);
  • Priority given to a student who was raised by a single parent and who is pursuing a career in Education or wide range of STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
  • Submit a completed John Randolph Foundation Scholarship Application ONLINE to include the required documents which must be uploaded with the application;
  • Demonstrate financial need;
  • Demonstrate commitment to the community through Extra-Curricular Activities and Volunteer Service; and
  • Must have a G.P.A of 3.5 or better.

Criteria Scoring

  • (15 points) Financial Need
  • (10 points) Academics
  • (10 points) Raised by a single parent
  • (5 points) Letters of Recommendation
  • (10 points) Community Service/Volunteering
  • (10 points) Majoring in Education or STEM
  • (5 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 required documents by the deadline will disqualify an applicant from consideration for the Jo Turek and Shirley Hall Scholarship Endowment. John Randolph Foundation Scholarship Committee reserves the right to interview finalists in the final stages of selection.

The scholarship committee’s decisions on all matters related to scholarships are final. Canvassing a scholarship benefactor, any John Randolph Foundation trustee, or employee will result in immediate disqualification. Scholarship awards depend on fund availability, meeting the outlined criteria in the scholarship guidelines, and acceptance and enrollment in an approved program.

John Randolph Foundation respects applicants’ privacy. Any personal or financial information will be used solely to evaluate the application and will be accessible only to the Foundation’s staff and scholarship selection committee. We are committed to maintaining your confidentiality.