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George Floyd Memorial Scholarship Fund Information and FAQ

The OHIO Division of Diversity and Inclusion invites current students to apply for the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship Fund. The selection committee will accept applications until Friday, February 25, 2022. 

The George Floyd Memorial Scholarship, is a one-time award for students who demonstrate leadership through multicultural student organizations and diversity-based initiatives at Ohio University.

Note: Student applicants must be continuing at OHIO full-time during the 2022 - 2023 academic year.

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The George Floyd Memorial Scholarship was established by Ohio University and The Ohio University Foundation in response to a call from the President of North Central University, Scott Hagan, for universities to create a scholarship in honor of George Floyd and the racial justice movement his death symbolizes. To date, more than a dozen U.S. colleges and universities have established a scholarship in honor of Mr. Floyd, including Alabama State University, Mary Washington University, and SUNY Buffalo State College. 

This scholarship is administered by the Division of Diversity and Inclusion in hopes of showing Ohio University’s commitment to inclusion and diversity while supporting our fellow multicultural students, faculty, alumni, community, and our nation as we collectively mourn the loss of Black lives and acknowledge the extensive injustices perpetrated against people of color.

 

Why did OHIO establish a scholarship in remembrance of George Floyd?

The initial request for the creation of a Floyd Memorial Scholarship was made by Ohio University alumni. Given these requests, and in response to the June 4th call from the president of North Central University, Scott Hagan, who challenged universities to consider creating a scholarship to honor Mr. Floyd at his memorial service, Ohio University and The Ohio University Foundation created The George Floyd Memorial Scholarship Fund

We have received significant positive feedback from donors eager to participate since announcing the fund and funds will ultimately be awarded to incoming or current student leaders who demonstrate leadership through multicultural student organizations and diversity initiatives at Ohio University or who have a history of inclusion and diversity-related leadership in their high schools or communities.

Unfortunately, there are too many names for whom the scholarship could have been named to honor. We believe it is important to #saytheirnames, and choosing to name the scholarship reminds us of the injustice that has served as the impetus for the current movement.

Who is eligible to receive the scholarship?

This scholarship will be awarded to incoming or current student leaders (who will be enrolled for classes during the next academic year) who demonstrate leadership through participation, specifically in multicultural student organizations and diversity initiatives at Ohio University or who have a history of inclusion and diversity-related leadership in their high schools and/or communities. 

What are the eligibility requirements?

Current or new OHIO students, continuing at OHIO full-time during the 2022 - 2023 academic year, are eligible to apply. Applicants must be in good academic and conduct standing and will be required to complete an essay defining their definition of multicultural leadership. Further, the application process will prompt applicants to outline the social justice impact they wish to have on the Ohio University community, especially in light of current events. 

How does the scholarship directly benefit Black students?

Student leaders who are active members of OHIO’s multicultural student organizations and/or have the capacity and intent to be a part of and impact social justice initiatives at the University are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Many Black student leaders contribute richly to these initiatives at OHIO and are encouraged to apply, of course.