Theodore R. and Vivian M. Johnson Scholarship

The Theodore and Vivian Johnson Scholarship, funded by The Johnson Scholarship Foundation, is a competitively awarded program that is available to undergraduate students with disabilities who enroll in a State University System of Florida institution.

About The Scholarship

  • The Theodore and Vivian Johnson Scholarship, funded by The Johnson Scholarship Foundation, is a competitively awarded program that is available to undergraduate students with disabilities who enroll in a State University System of Florida institution.

    This program was established in the early 1990s with approximately 100 scholarships being awarded at that time. Over the years, the number of scholarships awarded to students has steadily increased. 
  • The Johnson Scholarship Foundation offers a number of different scholarship and grant programs to help many deserving people in need, but in 2022, a total of $3,727,845 was given specifically to programs that benefit people with disabilities.

    Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University has recived $24,000 in awards for students with disabilities.

    Source:
    Johnson Scholarship Foundation - Educational Grants and Grant History

paper wheelchair sitting in top of fanned out dollar bills
Background of Theodore R. and Vivian M. Johnson
Theodore R. Johnson and his wife, Vivian Chesley Macleod Johnson, firmly believed that education could help people improve their lives. This was based mostly on his own experience.

Upon joining United Parcel Service (UPS) in the early 1920s, Johnson worked his way through college and obtained his MBA. Over the course of his career, he eventually rose to the position of Vice President of Labor Relations at UPS.

After achieving significant success, Mr. Johnson felt that he had been fortunate in life, and he wanted to use his wealth to help people in need.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson established the Johnson Scholarship Foundation in 1991 in an effort to help future generations of deserving people in pursuing higher education.

After Mr. Johnson passed away in 1993, his son, Theodore R. Johnson Jr., took over as president of the Foundation to carry on his parents' initiatives.

As of December 2022, The Johnson Scholarship Foundation has awarded awards totaling $165,529,704 since 1992.

History & Values - Johnson Scholarship Foundation

"We chose education because we believe that it is the best means to empower people to get better jobs, to become more independent and to participate more fully in our society." — The Johnson Scholarship Foundation

Our responsibility is to execute the Foundation’s education programs effectively and to develop new ones. Understanding that our resources are limited, we concentrate our efforts for the greatest effect.

 

Application Guidelines

Applicants must adhere to the following application guidelines in order to qualify for full consideration:

1. Student Status


Gain admission as a degree-seeking undergraduate student into a State University System of Florida institution.


2. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Complete and submit a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA form by the required deadline and be determined to have unmet financial need. To receive full consideration, mail it to the appropriate address, by the required deadline, as indicated on the FAFSA form.


3. Scholarship Application 

Complete and submit a FAMU-Johnson Scholarship Application.


4. Official Transcript

Provide a current official transcript (not a photocopy) that documents a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) on all credits. High school students applying for the first year of college should submit a current high school transcript.


5. Disability Documentation

Provide documentation of the nature and extent of a disability. The disability must be in one or more of the following classifications:

• Hearing impairment,
• Physical impairment;
• Specific learning disability;
• Speech/language impairment;
• Visual impairment;
• or other documented impairment.

Appropriate documentation includes, but is not limited to:

A recent psychological evaluation used to determine eligibility for exceptional student services, 
School/medical records, 
Certification by the Division of Blind Services, or 
A Vocational Rehabilitation eligibility determination. 

The documentation provided must meet the guidelines required by the institution in which the student is enrolled.

Students must contact the CeDAR for clarification as to what is required.


6. Personal Statement

Complete a personal statement about your achievements, activities, career goals, and the effects of your disability(ies)

(no more than one page, double-spaced)


7. Letters of Reference

Provide three (3) letters of reference addressing your academic potential and success.

Application Filing Deadline: May 1, 2024 | Please select from one of the following applications:

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For Additional Questions or Information Regarding this scholarship, Please Contact Us

Center for Disability Access & Resources (CeDAR)
Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid for additional resources.

P:
(850) 599-3180
F:
N/A
E:
cedar@famu.edu