Interviews for the 2022-2023 academic year are currently underway, and Michelle Edwards, The Fund’s Director of Scholarship & Donor Systems, is well-versed in this process. She’s been with The Fund for over 14 years and has seen how meaningful the interviews are for both the applicants and interviewers.

“Having worked in golf, the students have had years interacting with adults and their maturity is impressive.  The applicants see this opportunity as a potentially life-changing chance to make a great first impression on the generous supporters they meet at their interview,” Edwards said.  “It’s also a rewarding day for those volunteers to meet the students they will be supporting, face-to-face.”

The three-part highly competitive application process begins in June and examines Scholars’ academic achievements, potential leadership, school and community activities, interviews, essays, motivation, character, integrity, and numerous club recommendations. Since its inception in 1949, interviews have been a critical component in the Ouimet Fund’s application process. The impact of the interviews stems beyond a grading scale, as they offer a glimpse into each Scholars’ unique story.

This year The Fund received 172 applications, compared to 165 in 2021-22 and 144 the year prior. In addition to an increase in our number of applicants, our scholarships awarded have also grown. Last year $2,750,000 was awarded, compared to $2,525,000 the year before, and this fall The Fund aims to grant even more.

“It’s incredible we’re getting more applicants and that our awards keep growing,” Edwards said. “Our supporters are invested in our student’s college education, and we want to continue growing the support we can give them.”

Read more about our application process here!

The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund presented its 3rd Annual Ouimet Golf Professional of the Year Award to Oakley Country Club’s Director of Golf, Scott Johnson at the Ouimet outing at Wollaston Golf Club on October 8th.

This annual award recognizes a New England PGA Professional for their efforts and achievements in guiding the young men and women who work for them to the Francis Ouimet Scholarship, and their ongoing mentoring through college and beyond. The recipient is someone who works closely with The Fund and plays an important role in promoting both the scholarship to kids and their parents, and the various Ouimet programs to the club membership.

Scott has been an incredible supporter of the Ouimet Fund and a long-time head pro who has done great things for Oakley Country Club. He has been the head pro at Oakley for the past 21 years and his passion for The Fund’s mission is vocalized to the membership, who supports all fundraising programs and maintains a healthy roster of Ouimet Scholars.

“Nothing gives me a greater sense of pride than helping young men and women advance into their college careers.”

Scott grew up in the golf industry and understands how to connect with the young people who work at the club on a personal level because he was once in their shoes. He is a great role model for them and takes on a very important role advocating the Ouimet Scholarship program. There have been 7 Ouimet Scholars who graduated in the last five years and 8 current Scholars. The continued support from Scott and Oakley has helped these young individuals immensely as they pursue a higher education.

Scott credits the support of the Oakley membership for making the award possible. Scott works closely with Ouimet Chairs Marie Chalmers and Phil O’Neill to support Ouimet programs.

We would like to thank Scott Johnson for demonstrating what a huge role the PGA Professionals play in the lives of nearly 500 current Ouimet Scholars annually. Thank you, Scott!