Dale Johnson Early Childhood Education Scholarship
HONORING A LEGACY OF LOVE, LEARNING, AND COMMUNITY
The Dale Johnson Early Childhood Education Scholarship was created by Rev. Dr. Deborah Scarborough to honor the life and legacy of her mother, Dale Johnson—a woman whose entire life was rooted in nurturing children, strengthening families, and uplifting her community. Dale spent decades shaping young minds through early childhood education, believing deeply that every child deserves a strong, loving foundation. Her work touched countless families, and her influence continues to echo through the lives of the children she cared for.
This scholarship was born from that legacy. Rev. Dr. Scarborough envisioned a way to carry her mother’s impact forward—not only by remembering who Dale was, but by empowering others to follow in her footsteps. By supporting aspiring early childhood educators, the scholarship ensures that Dale’s commitment to compassion, excellence, and community continues to grow through the next generation of teachers.
WHY THIS SCHOLARSHIP MATTERS
Early childhood educators play one of the most important roles in our society. They shape the earliest experiences of learning, confidence, and belonging. Yet many who feel called to this work face financial barriers that make pursuing their education difficult. Our scholarship exists to remove those barriers and open doors for students who want to make a difference in the lives of young children.
When donors support this fund, they are not simply giving to a scholarship—they are investing in the future of families, classrooms, and communities across the DMV. They are helping to build a pipeline of skilled, compassionate educators who will carry forward the same spirit of care that defined Dale Johnson’s life.
CARRYING HER LEGACY FORWARD
The heart of this scholarship is simple: to bless others the way Dale blessed so many.
Her legacy was one of service, joy, and unwavering dedication to children. Through this fund, we honor that legacy by uplifting students who share her passion and by ensuring that her impact continues for generations.
As we continue building this mission, we welcome those who feel inspired by Dale’s story to join us in carrying her legacy forward. For those who wish to support the scholarship’s growth, we’ve included our GoFundMe link below—a place where contributions of any size help us open doors for future educators and strengthen the communities Dale cared for so deeply.
Together, we are keeping her legacy alive. Together, we are shaping the future.