Hello Donors, friends and family,

The Dorothy Jean Coates Scholarship Foundation Fund was established on October 21, 2021, and awarded its first scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year.

These scholarships are for the purpose of supporting, recognizing, and encouraging non-traditional students to pursue their educational goals. It will help students that did not have the opportunity to pursue their college degree in the traditional sense of becoming a full-time student immediately after high school, for whatever reason.

We would like to say: we see you, we want to recognize you, and we want you to be encouraged to continue your educational goals.

This scholarship fund was founded for the legacy of Dorothy Jean Coates. She was the wife of Richard Coates, Jr., and the mother of five children. After the birth of her 5th child, she obtained her high school diploma by attending night school at Cardoza High School in Washington, DC.

In 1975 she decided to enroll in Northern Virginia Community College while being a wife, mother and working full-time. She took one course per quarter every chance she could and continued to do so until she graduated. In 1993 she graduated from NVCC with an Associate of Science degree in General Studies.

But she didn't stop there — she continued her education at Mary Washington College (University), taking one course per semester until her death in 1998. She was truly and literally a lifelong learner.

We are very appreciative of The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia for their partnership on this scholarship.

Gratefully yours,

Richard Coates, III — Founder

Dear Donors, Friends and Family of The Dorothy Jean Coates Scholarship Foundation — Happy Thanksgiving!

We have recently marked the fourth anniversary of the Foundation, and for that we are very thankful. We are also very thankful for each of you. It's because of your donations, support and encouragement that has made it all possible. In addition, we are very thankful for the partnership with the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA).

Because of your generosity and the great investing of the funds by CFNOVA, we were able to award three $1,000 scholarships this academic year to three very deserving students.

The first student (Jaya C.), a nursing student at Marymount University whose studies were interrupted by circumstances beyond her control, wrote: "…because I love learning and was eager to continue my journey, but also because I feared losing momentum. I've worked jobs to support myself, researched every possible resource, and kept my goal in sight, even when it felt out of reach. But I haven't given up—and I won't."

The second student (Markeria J.) recently enrolled part-time at Northern Virginia Community College after a 15-year interruption while working full-time as a leasing agent. She wrote: "I will be beginning a new chapter of my life as a first-time mother and financial assistance is a huge resource needed for me to accomplish my goal of completing my education."

The third student (Star I.) is finally enrolled at American University after having to delay her college journey. She wrote: "Like Mrs. Coates, my education has never followed a straight path. When I had to unexpectedly defer college last year, I sat on my bedroom floor crying…But life has a way of teaching you resilience…"

We would like to thank the selection committee for volunteering their valuable time: Patrice Wills and Chante Poindexter (Dorothy's two oldest grandchildren), Sam Hayes, and Dr. JoAnn Creedle and Kimberly Blue from Northern Virginia Community College, with Diane Nettle Harris serving as advisor.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

— The DJC Scholarship Foundation

We have recently marked the third anniversary of the Foundation. For the third straight year, two $1,000 scholarships were awarded this academic year to two very deserving students.

The first student (Alyssa R.) attends The College of William & Mary. She wrote: "While enrolled in this program part-time, I am also working full-time, a mom to three kids, and supportive of my husband's career and his time as an Army Reservist. I am setting a good example for my daughters to stick with something, even when it is hard."

The second student (Sonja-Renee J.) attends Northern Virginia Community College with a goal to become a Registered Nurse. She wrote: "During my high school years, I was caretaking for my grandparents and my nephew…This scholarship will pay for the prerequisite classes…"

Thank you to the selection committee for their diligent work, and to every donor — especially our monthly recurring donors.

Sincerely yours,

The DJC Scholarship Foundation

We have recently marked the second anniversary of the Foundation. We are proud to report that the fundraising and scholarship award goals were met. For the second straight year, two $1,000 scholarships were awarded.

The first student (Kenise L.) attends Northern Virginia Community College. She wrote: "Everything about Dorothy Jean Coates reminded me of myself. For a long time I did not think it would be possible to achieve my goal of higher learning… Your gift will assist me in obtaining my dream of a degree and is truly a blessing to me."

The second student (Karisma D.) also attends NVCC. She is a mother of three and works full-time. Karisma stated: "Your generosity has allowed me to be one step closer to my goal and has inspired me to continue to give back to the community."

Due to your generous donations, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia has elevated the Fund to endowment status — meaning the Fund can give at least one $1,000 scholarship annually in perpetuity. Our next goal: the 100x10x10 plan — 100 new recurring donors giving $10 per month for 10 months.

Sincerely yours,

The DJC Scholarship Foundation

We have just completed the first anniversary of the Foundation. Two scholarships were awarded this academic year to two very deserving students.

The first student (Quiana B.) attends Northern Virginia Community College. Due to external events beyond her control, she did not finish high school traditionally but went on to obtain her GED. Quiana is an Applied Behavior Analyst Therapist and avid yoga practitioner. She stated that "this scholarship speaks to my life."

The second student (Adriana D.) also attends NVCC. She is a mother and works full-time. Adriana stated: "This scholarship will have a huge influence on my life because I do not receive any additional income from sources other than my job…I am required to pay for classes because I do not qualify for any government grants."

It was quite a challenge narrowing the field of 38 applicants to just two. The fund has raised over $25,000 — a milestone that qualifies the fund to become an endowment.

Sincerely yours,

The DJC Scholarship Foundation