Foundation Scholarship Opportunities
The 2013 application period for all Foundation scholarships has closed.
Please visit the scholarship opportunities listed on the left to learn more about FAO's scholarships. To stay up to date on scholarships, grants, and other FAO updates, please sign-up for the Foundation's E-Newsletter.
The economic value of education is without question.
We know education pays off. Studies clearly document increased levels of education directly associated with a substantially reduced risk of poverty in the United States, regardless of race.
Education beyond high school is essential to an individual’s economic success, often without regard to occupation. The critical thinking and technological skills required in today’s job market have transformed the meaning and substance of workforce preparation. Approximately two-thirds of Ohio’s new jobs now require advanced information technology skills.
Individuals who pursue education after high school are also more likely to be engaged and contributing members of society. Effective citizenship means a more participatory and representative democracy and stronger, healthier communities. In Appalachian Ohio, high school graduation rates fall generally below graduation rates in the rest of Ohio, and the rate of adults who have ANY college or technical school education beyond high school runs generally 20 percent below the state average.
Low participation rates in post secondary education means erosion of basic quality of life throughout the region.1 in 5 Appalachian children (77,000) live in poverty; nearly 40,000 Appalachian children lack health insurance; and nearly 30% of the 3rd graders in Appalachian Ohio either have not seen a dentist in the last year or have never had a dental exam.
Leaders in Appalachian Ohio believe greater access to educational opportunity can make a profound difference in the economic future of our citizens and region – BUT, low expectations common in our region regarding student achievement and performance MUST be overcome.
The college attendance rate for Appalachian Ohio is 30% compared to 41% for the rest of Ohio and 62% fro the U.S. Until we expect Appalachian Ohio students to continue their education beyond high school, they will not be encouraged to prepare themselves for the rigors of college or the workforce or even envision themselves as college graduates.
The potential of our region’s youth and workforce is limitless, if they are given the same access to resources and opportunities as their counterparts in any major U.S. city.
The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio can help provide that access through the power of charitable giving. Educational transformation in Appalachian Ohio requires many hands and many partners. The Foundation provides access to opportunity by supporting community efforts to build education funds, engaging communities in activities promoting educational excellence, organizing partners and other residents, advocating for sound policy and working with districts, teachers, and institutions toward educational improvements. The full breadth of this support can include charitable investment and grants programs supporting:
*Scholarships
*Continuing education programs for area teachers
*Gifted learning academies
*Creation and management of scholarship programs
*Math camps
*Tutorial programs for at-risk students
*Workforce preparation and adult workforce re-entry programs
*Building civic leadership to promote educational excellence
*Awards programs for teachers
*Tech prep partnerships
And so much more…
What Can You Do?
How do you think the Foundation can help your community and residents address issues of educational opportunity and workforce preparedness?
Tell other community leaders about the Foundation and its efforts to promote post secondary education.
Get Involved. Contact FAO today, and visit our ICAN! home page.