Application Deadline of March 31, 2012

Nelsonville, OH - The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) announced scholarship opportunities to support the pursuit of post-secondary education. The application period for these scholarships has opened and will run through March 31, 2012. Multiple scholarships opportunities are available from donor established funds within the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, many honoring the legacy of a friend or loved one. Information regarding scholarships, eligibility, and application guidelines can be found on FAO’s website at www.appalachianohio.org

The Foundation is honored to host these scholarship funds and support the pursuit of post-secondary education. In addition to scholarships which have been serving the region for several years in partnership with FAO, the Foundation is pleased to announce the inaugural year of several scholarship opportunities:

· The AK Steel Foundation Student Scholastic Award for Science, Technology, Math and Engineering was established by the AK Steel Foundation to provide a permanent source of scholarship support for students pursuing studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, with particular emphasis on metallurgy. Scholarships are available to both traditional and non-traditional students within the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio.

· The Lee Beckett Legacy Scholarship Fund provides scholarship opportunities for graduating Nelsonville-York seniors pursuing post-secondary studies, either full or part-time, at an accredited vocational or technical training program, community college, college or university. The scholarship fund is established to honor Mrs. Lee Beckett and her work to support countless students throughout her forty-three years of teaching. Beckett’s first teaching position was at the then York High School, and the encouragement and support she provided students enabled them to believe in their ability to succeed.

These scholarships will join others serving the region:

· Wayne White and Bob Evans Legacy Scholarship, established to honor both men’s tremendous legacy in encouraging continued academic endeavors after high school, scholarships are available to students pursing post-secondary studies throughout the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. This year, the AT&T Foundation has supported the Wayne White and Bob Evans Legacy Scholarship with funding for 16 students who will be selected based on need and their commitment to pursuing their post-secondary education.

· Ora E. Anderson Scholarship, established to honor the memory of Ora Eaton Anderson and his lifelong contributions toward the conservation of Appalachian Ohio’s natural environment, the scholarship provides support to students across the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio pursuing studies associated with the natural sciences.

· Ariana R. Ulloa Scholarship, established by family and friends to honor the memory and life’s work of Ariana R. Ulloa, scholarships support international students pursuing any field of study, or students pursuing a degree in international studies.

· Susan K. Ipacs Nursing Legacy Scholarship Fund, established to honor the work and life of Susan Ipacs – nurse, instructor, mother, wife and friend, is available to second year Hocking College students in the Nursing Program. As so many depended on Sue for her compassion and dedication to the profession, it is the hope that students pursuing their nursing degree remember the reason behind the studies, and the importance of compassion for people in each step of the day as a result of the scholarship.

· Dr. Allen Smith Memorial Scholarship, in honor of the late Dr. L. Allen Smith and his mother, the late Mary Ellen Smith. The award provides two scholarships, both to Jackson City High School students – the Smith Scholastic Award for Achievement in Math, Science and Engineering and the Smith Community Service Award.

· Lester and Thelma Ellwood Educational Scholarship, a legacy scholarship to honor the importance of education by providing encouragement and support of access to educational opportunities for graduates of Guernsey County high schools in pursuit of post-secondary education.

· Zelma Gray Medical School Scholarship, in memory of the late Zelma Gray, scholarships will provide support to a current or recent Guernsey County resident attending medical school, with a commitment to returning to the area to work upon completion of studies.

· Bellisio Foods Scholarship, established by Bellisio Foods to increase access to post-secondary opportunities for dependent children and grandchildren of Bellisio employees, scholarships support programs providing training and certification in various trades and fields of vocational interest, associate degree programs and four year institutions of higher learning.

· Bachtel Scholarship Awards Program, established by Dr. Harry Keig to honor the legacy of his coach Forrest Bachtel, the awards provide four graduating Meigs High School seniors, two male and two female, scholarships for academic and athletic achievement. For more information on this scholarship, please contact Meigs High School guidance counselors.

“The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio takes great pride in working with individuals and businesses to create permanent resources to help the region’s students pursue post-secondary education,” said Cara Dingus Brook, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “Working with partners to grow scholarship opportunities not only supports the region’s students, but is a strategic investment in the region’s future.”

Additional information on scholarship opportunities, guidelines and application forms can be found on FAO’s website. Completed applications and all accompanying materials must be postmarked by March 31, 2012 and sent to the Foundation’s office at P.O. Box 456, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764.

Each year, the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio offers scholarships to students across the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. For more information about how you can contribute to scholarship resources and grow opportunities for the region’s students, visit www.appalachianohio.org or call 740-753-1111.

About the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is a regional community foundation serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio with the mission of enriching the region’s current and future quality of life. A 501(c)(3) public charity, the Foundation attracts contributions for programs and endowment, makes grants for charitable and civic purposes, and supports local efforts for positive change. For more information about FAO, visit www.appalachianohio.org.

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