The Blue Jackets players in partnership with the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation established the John H. McConnell Scholarship Fund in 2008 to honor the life and legacy of the team’s late founder John H. McConnell. The fund was created to give fans of all ages the opportunity to honor Mr. Mac and his deep-rooted belief in the importance of giving back to the community. Each year, one local high school senior, who personifies his y character and leadership, will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship

Mr. Mac was an honorable man who believed in the golden rule, ‘Treat others as you want to be treated.’ An enormously successful businessman, his accomplishments in that arena were surpassed only by his endeavors that improved the lives of others. He had a true passion for supporting the development of youth in our community.

View a video tribute to John H. McConnell

To Contribute to the John H. McConnell Scholarship fund:

Those contributing will be acknowledged as founding donors of the fund. The money raised will be used to award an annual scholarship(s) to Central Ohio high school students who personify the very character and leadership of the late John H. McConnell.

Those interested in making a contribution to the John H. McConnell Scholarship Fund can mail contributions to:
Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation
John H. McConnell Scholarship Fund
L-3170
Columbus, OH 43260-3170
Checks made payable to: John H. McConnell Fund

or view the donation form

The Columbus Jackets Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization, Tax I.D. 31-1688700.

View list of founding donors.

To Apply for the John H. McConnell Scholarship

Unlike traditional scholarships that are based on academic performance, this fund is intended to reward local high school seniors who demonstrate hard work, perseverance, leadership and community involvement. Mr. McConnell’s legacy reflects a life guided by the above characteristics.

High school seniors who personify the very character and leadership of the late John H. McConnell are able complete and submit an application for consideration by March 1 of each season. The scholarship winners will be selected annually by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and announced in the spring at the end of each Blue Jackets season.

One $10,000 scholarship will be awarded annually.

Apply for the John H. McConnell Scholarsip

Scholarship Applications Due: March 1 (in office) by noon
Address to: Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation
                  200 W. Nationwide Blvd
                  Columbus, OH 43215 
Drop off: business hours 9am-5pm (Monday-Friday)
Hard copy required - faxes and emails not accepted

How to get here:
- Enter through the Box office doors (on the corner of Nationwide and McConnell)
- Immediately to your right through the double doors will be a security desk
- Tell them that you are there to go to the offices on the Suite Level
- Security will direct you to the elevators. Take the elevators to your left up to the Suite Level
- There will be double glass doors through which there is a front desk 

2008-2009 John H. McConnell Scholarship Winner

Harika Rayala

"I am very honored and excited to receive the John McConnell Scholarship because Mr. McConnell is someone whom I really look up to. He's like the modern Andrew Carnegie who was not only incredibly successful but also used his success to serve the community. Because of his incredible legacy, receiving this scholarship motivates me to work harder to help the community and the people who have already given me so much."