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As you might already know, scholarships and grants are given to students to help pay for college. Unlike student loans, scholarships and grant money are often no strings attached and don’t have to be repaid! (This holds true unless something unforeseeable happens, like you dropping out of school or failing to complete a service commitment.) The Buckeye State offers state-run programs to help students pay for college, and there are many private scholarships available for students from Ohio as well.
Public scholarships and grants for Ohio residents:
Award Amount: Varies
This program is different from other state scholarships in that grants are given to individual schools, which then pass money onto their students. This program is intended to encourage students pursuing STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) fields. Find a list of schools that offer the grant here; you must be attending one of these schools to be eligible for the award. A link to specific program information, requirements, and the application is listed with each school.
Ohio College Opportunity Grant
Award Amount: Up to $3,000
Application Deadline: October 1, 2019
This grant is for Ohio residents who can demonstrate extreme financial need; this can be done simply by filling out the FAFSA each year. Students must show that their family’s annual income is $96,000 or less, and the FAFSA must show an expected family contribution of $2,190 or less. This grant offers up to $3,000 annually for students attending a public or private school in Ohio (or an eligible institution in Pennsylvania). Students must be earning their first associate’s, bachelor’s, or nursing degree. Award recipients are chosen from those who submit FAFSA applications. Award amount depends upon financial need, level of enrollment, and type of program.
Private scholarships for Ohio residents:
Children's Defense Fund–Ohio Beat the Odds Scholarship Program
Award Amount: $5,000
Minimum GPA Required: 3.0
Letter of Recommendation: Yes
Essay: Yes
Applicant must be a current high school student who has overcome serious challenges such as homelessness, poverty, disability, or abuse. Students must submit a 750-word essay describing the hardships they’ve faced and how they’ve “beaten the odds” in overcoming them, as well as two letters of recommendation (one from a teacher and one from a community member). All nominees must have a GPA at or above 3.0 and show that they’ve participated in extracurricular activities or community service, or held a job. Check the provider’s website in the fall for the 2019 application!
Jay Sartini Memorial Scholarship
Award Amount: $1,000
Application Deadline: April 15, 2019
Minimum GPA Required: 3.0
Letter of Recommendation: Yes
Essay: Yes
This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to multiple graduating high school seniors (and one Kent State University student pursuing general studies) by the Ashtabula County Business Exchange. Students must submit a one-page essay stating why they feel they deserve the scholarship. Additionally, applicants must have a 3.0 GPA, submit two letters of recommendation, and prove that they’ve participated in community service. Students must also submit a copy of their Student Aid Report, which will be available after they complete the FAFSA.
Award Amount: Up to $2,500
Application Deadline: April 15, 2019
Minimum GPA Required: 3.0
Letter of Recommendation: Yes
Essay: Yes
This award is for fourth- and fifth-year undergraduate students studying environmental sciences. Students in their second year of a two-year program may be eligible for up to $1,250. Applicants are judged on academics (they must have a minimum GPA of 3.0), three essays, their résumés, and their letters of recommendation (two are required). Essay topics include “describe your reasons for choosing a career in environmental science or environmental engineering and how this scholarship will help you,” and “detail any original research, scholarship, employment and/or internships, or other unique contributions to environmental science or environmental engineering.” Award money must be applied to direct educational costs (e.g., tuition or books, not housing or parking).
Ohio News Media Foundation University Journalism Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,000
Application Deadline: April 19, 2019
Minimum GPA Required: 2.5
Letter of Recommendation: Yes
Essay: Yes
Two scholarships will be awarded to sophomores, juniors, or seniors enrolled in journalism, advertising, marketing, or communications programs at a college or university in Ohio. A 750- to 1000-word essay “describing academic and career interests, awards, extracurricular activities and any journalism-related activities” is required as part of the application. Students must also submit their college transcripts; two letters of recommendation; and a portfolio of writing, design, or advertising samples.
Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Foundation Scholarships
Application Deadline: May 10, 2019
Essay: Yes
Three separate scholarships are available to undergraduate and graduate students studying subjects related to parks and recreation at a college or university in Ohio. Topics include, but are not limited to, parks, law enforcement, recreation, natural resource management, and leisure studies. Applicants must be Ohio residents. A one-page essay discussing “how you plan to contribute to the promotion of parks, recreation and leisure services in your future career” is required. Applicants must also submit a list of three professional references.
Award Amount: $2,000
Minimum GPA Required: 3.0
Letter of Recommendation: Yes
Applicants for this award must be high school seniors who are Ohio residents. Applicants must be interested in pursuing a career in art (including, but not limited to, photography, painting, illustration, design, and education). The application process includes submission of five original art samples, transcripts, and one letter of recommendation. While the application deadline for this year has passed, the application should open again in early 2020 for the next school year. Watch the Zinggia website closely!
Location-based scholarships for Ohio residents:
Lee E. Shauer Memorial Scholarship
Award Amount: $12,000
Application Deadline: April 5, 2019
Minimum GPA Required: 2.5
This scholarship was created to honor the memory of a high school student who lost his life before beginning his senior year. Students who are residents of Shelby County and who plan to attend college are eligible to apply. While the scholarship is administered by the YMCA, a membership is not required. Students who do participate in YMCA volunteer work, however, will receive additional consideration. Students must show participation in community service and sports, and should demonstrate leadership qualities. The award is paid over four years, and must be renewed each year.
Richland County Foundation Scholarships
Award Amount: Varies
Application Deadline: April 1, 2019
The Richland County Foundation offers a list of scholarships available to students who are residents of Richland County or graduated from a high school in the county. Applicants need only to submit one form to be matched with all scholarships for which they are eligible. Applicants must be studying full time in an undergraduate program. Initial applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Scholarships are not renewable, but recipients may reapply for consideration each year; returning applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0. Scholarships are also available for Richland County residents and graduates who are in trade school.
Award Amount: Varies
Application Deadline: May 30, 2019
High school seniors who reside in and attend a high school in Shelby County are eligible for scholarships offered by the Community Foundation of Shelby County. The requirements for each scholarship vary, but the county’s website offers a single form in which students can input their information to determine which award(s) they may qualify for. You must apply for each scholarship separately.
Hopefully you found a scholarship listed above that you qualify for; if not, don’t be discouraged! There are so many scholarships available that it would be impossible for us to list them all. It’s always a good idea to do your own internet search to find scholarships for your unique situation. Whether you’ve found a scholarship already or are still looking, good luck!
