About Us
The Dorothy Jean Coates Scholarship Foundation Fund benefits nontraditional students enrolled in a college or university.
Dorothy Jean Coates was born in 1935 in Greenwood, SC. She was married to Richard L. V. Coates, Jr. and earned her high school diploma in 1969 by attending night school at Cardoza High School in Washington, DC — after the birth of the fifth of her five children.
Dorothy enrolled in Northern Virginia Community College in 1975, taking one course per quarter while maintaining a career and a family. She graduated in 1993 with an Associate of Science in General Studies, after her five children had matriculated through college and established their own careers.
She then enrolled at Mary Washington College (University), continuing to improve her educational attainment until her death in 1998. She was truly a life-long learner.
Mission Statement
To encourage individuals to continue their educational goals no matter what challenges are going on in their lives and no matter what stage of life they are in.
We believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. Our scholarship program is designed to support passionate and driven individuals who are committed to making a difference.
Foundation History
The Dorothy Jean Coates Scholarship Foundation Fund was established on October 21, 2021. Dorothy Jean Coates, a lifelong learner whose passion for education knew no boundaries, inspired this scholarship. It was established in honor of her memory and to continue her legacy. It was created in partnership with the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia as a donor administered endowment fund.