April 5, 2006
By Kristie Luebbe

Associate Professor Richard Greenlee has been waiting a long time for the Appalachian Scholars program. "I was the first person in my family to graduate from high school," the Appalachia Ohio native and chair of the Department of Social Work said at an open house for the Appalachian Scholars program. "I'm here to tell you, you are good enough."

"Ohio University is committed to our historic mission of extending learning opportunities to underserved populations and remaining a center of learning in rural Appalachia dedicated to access and opportunity," Ohio University President Roderick J. McDavis said at the open house. "Our newly created Appalachian scholars program is a testament to that commitment."

The program, which includes a four-year renewable scholarship, is modeled after the Urban Scholars program that opened the doors to a college education this academic year for 13 students from five urban areas in Ohio. Nearly 36 percent of undergraduate students enrolled at Ohio University, including the main campus and regional campuses, are from the 29 Appalachian counties.

G. Christine Taylor, assistant to the president for diversity and administrator of the Appalachian Scholars program, said the program is fundamentally about access to education. "This program is designed for a specific student: a student who has enthusiasm, is motivated to succeed, has demonstrated academic excellence, a student who says 'I can do this, but money is a barrier.'"

The goal of the program beginning fall 2006 is to annually enroll a class of 10 students from the 29 county-region in Ohio identified by the Appalachian Regional Commission as being part of Appalachia. The Athens, Chillicothe, Eastern, Southern and Zanesville campuses will participate in this program.

For each student selected, the program includes a four-year renewable scholarship, an annual book stipend and participation in an annual leadership seminar. Those students also will receive funding to attend an approved professional conference in their junior years, internship opportunities, and technology and research training. Ohio University alumni will mentor students throughout their academic careers.

To be eligible to apply, students must:

• Reside in one of the 29 Appalachia Ohio counties
• Be admitted to Ohio University
• Have an ACT of 17 or above
• Rank in the top 40 percent of their class, have a 2.5 cumulative grade point average and be enrolled in college preparatory classes
• Have completed the Free Application for Federal Student (Results from the FAFSA will show the Expected Family Contribution. Eligible applicants will have an EFC no higher than $8,000.)

All applications for students planning to attend the Athens campus must be received by the President's Office for Diversity by April 12, 2006. Applications for the regional campuses are due by April 7. Eligible students will participate in an interview with members of the selection committee in April. The university plans to announce scholarship winners by May 1.

For more information and to download application materials, visit www.ohio.edu/diversity/appalachianscholars.cfm or contact the President's Office for Diversity at (740) 593-9376 or e-mail diversity@ohio.edu (use "Appalachian Scholars" as the subject line).

Related Links:

• Appalachian Scholars program and application materials