The second is to provide students who are accepted into the program with the skills needed to improve their communities after graduation.

This year's class of 10 is up to the challenge.

"The scholars have an obligation to their community," said Mark Skillings, who oversees the program for the Office of Multicultural Student Access and Retention. "They are committed to being successful because they recognize they have been given an opportunity to not only improve their lives but also the lives of others."

Now in its third year, the Appalachian Scholars Program is a merit- and need-based scholarship that provides support to students from the 29 Appalachian Ohio counties. The program provides scholarship support to students who demonstrate academic achievement, a desire to succeed and what Skillings calls "a spirit of community."

As Appalachian scholars, students volunteer with local non-profit organizations doing work that directly affects the Appalachian region.

The goal is to "make learning real" and to demonstrate how "scholarly work can be used to benefit their communities," Skillings said.

In early December, sophomore scholars will travel to Washington, D.C., to attend the Appalachian Teaching Project, a forum to research community issues.

These activities enable students to put theories into action, while also adding tangible things to their resume, Skillings said.

Here's what this year's Appalachian Scholars have to say about themselves.

	My name: Eric Alexander My hometown: Malta,Ohio My major: Mechanical engineering I most admire: My grandfather, because he has worked hard, as a railroad laborer, to provide for his three children Academic accomplishment I am most proud of: National Honor Society, receiving the Appalachian scholarship and graduating from high school with honors Qualities of my favorite teacher: My favorite teacher not only taught us the basics of machining, but he also taught us things we needed to know for the real world Book I think everyone should read: "Where the Red Fern Grows" which is about a boy who grows up poor, but he doesn't allow poverty to affect his attitude
	My name: Christopher Capper My hometown: Willow Wood, Ohio My major: Pre-physical therapy Academic accomplishment I am most proud of: Graduating valedictorian in high school What I hope to achieve in my first year at Ohio University: Adjusting to being more independent Best advice anyone has given me: Don't sweat the petty things. If I could research any topic, I would research: the power of the mind because many people do not even know they are passing judgments without thinking. If they were aware of this it may help educate people and prevent passing judgments of others.  Movie I think everyone should see: "300" because it demonstrates how the Spartans faced their fate against all odds and died an honorable death.
	My name: Shea Daniels My hometown: Chillicothe, Ohio My major: English-Creative writing Why I chose Ohio University:  Attending Ohio University is a tradition in my family. My father graduated from Ohio University-Chillicothe (OU-C) and my mother currently attends OU-C.  During high-school I attended OU-C as a Post Secondary Enrollment Options Program student What I hope to achieve in my first year at Ohio University:   During my first year at Ohio University, I hope to grow as a person -- both intellectually and morally Qualities of my favorite teacher: Ablity to think about contrasting ideas and pick the one that makes sense Class I am most looking forward to: Chamber Orchestra My unknown talent: Fishing.  I love to go fishing with my family
	My name: Katherine Marie Dufore My hometown: Ironton, Ohio         My major: Early childhood education My unknown talent: Making people smile. Best advice anyone has given me: You'll do fine, we support you. What I am most excited about at Ohio University: Meeting new friends Movie I think everyone should see: "The Passion of the Christ" Most people think I'm shy because I don't talk that much when I first meet someone. I will try new things, but I know my boundaries and limitations
	My name: Megan Gray My hometown: Chillicothe, Ohio My major: Early childhood education I most admire: Jim Read (cross country and track coach) Qualities of my favorite teacher: Interactive and treated me as an adult What I hope to achieve in my first year at Ohio University: To be on the Dean's list Current issue that is most important for my generation: Jobs in America If I could be the ambassador to any country, I would choose: Ireland
	My name: Daniel Kelly My hometown: South Point, Ohio My major: Journalism-Broadcasting Best advice anyone has given me: "If you want to be somebody else, change your mind," because what you think of yourself is important  I am most nervous about: Not choosing the right academic path because I am interested in a lot of things and I am unsure of which interests I should pursue What I will miss from home: The small town atmosphere Current issue that is most important for my generation: The rising cost of post-secondary education My dream job: A job that helps people, has meaning, pays a livable wage and continually inspires me to keep going
	My name: Trace Lydick My hometown: Belpre, Ohio My major: Mechanical engineering Qualities of my favorite teacher: Application of material to the real world What I hope to achieve in my first year at Ohio University: I hope to line up to the best standards, make friends and create a legacy Best advice anyone has given me: It's better to remain quiet and appear stupid than to open your mouth and remove all doubt What I will miss from home: The cooking and my vehicle freedom My dream job: Designing things to make the world safer
	My name: Stephen Neuhart My hometown: Batesville, Ohio My major: Environmental biology What I am most excited about at Ohio University: New opportunities Class I am most looking forward to: Geology Current issue that is most important for my generation: For Appalachian scholars, keeping jobs open in this part of Ohio My unknown talent: My photographic memory If I could have any superpower, I would choose: The ability to turn into the Hulk when I'm mad
	My name: Jessica Price My hometown: Belpre, Ohio My major: Pre-physical therapy Academic accomplishment I am most proud of: Doing well while I attended Washington State Community College for two years Best advice anyone has given me: That physical therapy would be a good major I most admire: First, I admire my mother because she is strong person and has helped me be the strong person that I am. The second person that I admire is Gandhi because his quote "Be the change you wish to see in the world" inspires me. I am most nervous about: Being overwhelmed with all of the science classes that my major requires. Current issue that is most important for my generation: Universal health care and global warming
	My name: Brittany Wolverton My hometown: Cambridge, Ohio My major: Psychology Academic accomplishment I am most proud of: Being a Legacy scholar Qualities of my favorite teacher: Compassion, knowledge, guidance, sense of humor, support -- qualities that make her more than just a favorite teacher, but also a best friend I most admire: Honesty Why I chose Ohio University: The first time I visited OU for a dance concert my sophomore year; the campus felt right and I knew I had to be part of it. What I am most excited about at Ohio University: The opportunities in academics, clubs, sports and making friends If I could research any topic, I would research: Ovarian cancer

Meet this year's:

• Cutler Scholars
  
• Templeton Scholars
  
• Urban Scholars