Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools

The Open Closet Fund pays for food for the Dubuque Community Schools Food Pantry, personal hygiene items for the Care Closet, and clothing items, such as winter coats, boots, and pants.

Year Founded 2018

At A Glance

• Endowment in Memory of Don and Jean Johnson
• Scholarships for Hempstead and Senior Graduates
• Supports Special Education Students

About Us

Don and Jean Johnson were the parents of three girls: Nancy, Donna, and Lisa. When Lisa was seven, her parents were killed in a mid-air plane collision. Lisa went on to become a teacher and taught special education for her entire career, thirty years of which were with the Dubuque Community School District.

The purpose of the Don and Jean Johnson Memorial Scholarship is to support graduating seniors from the Dubuque Community School District in Dubuque, IA, who will pursue post-secondary education. The winner of this scholarship will receive a one-time $500 honorarium to be deposited with the college or university of their choice after enrollment. The award may be used for continuing educational expenses, including tuition, fees, books, room and board, and supplies directly related to the educational program in which the student is enrolled. The scholarship is not renewable.

To be eligible for this scholarship, students must be:

• Entitled for and received direct special education academic services (reading, writing, math), physical or occupational therapy, services for the deaf and hard of hearing, visual impairment, or other health impairment at some point in his/her educational career as documented by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Students who received speech and language services only are not eligible.
• Attending a 4-year on-campus college or university (no online programs), or a 2-year program that furthers education in the recipient’s area of chosen interest.
• Preference for students who have financial need.
• Scholarships shall be given to a Dubuque Senior graduate on “even” years, and a Dubuque Hempstead graduate on “odd” years, until eligible disbursements become great enough to support graduates of both schools annually.
• GPA: Not specified
• Recipient Selection: A Scholarship Selection Committee shall be established by Dubuque Senior and Hempstead High Schools to review applications and render recommendations for distribution of awards. Students must apply through the Dubuque Senior and Hempstead guidance offices.