The Spark of OFIC
Igniting opportunity, one scholarship at a time, through the Ohio Scholars Program
From Start to Finish
Students take the first step toward their future. Scholarships help build the bridge that carries them from start to finish.
Scholarship support helps students attend campuses where they develop critical thinking, innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills. Financial support can reduce reliance on loans, allow students to work fewer hours during the school year, and create more opportunities to volunteer, join organizations, and build leadership experience.
Scholarships enable students to become what they aspire to be.
Meet Jalesha
Jalesha faced a lot of challenges along the way, but she stayed focused on her education. With support from scholarship donors, she was able to reach her goal of earning a degree.
“Receiving this scholarship was like receiving a giant hug. It was one of the first moments of my life where I felt like I could finally breathe.”
Students and their families interested in learning about eligibility or applying for the Ohio Scholars Program:
When We Help One Another, the Connections are Endless
Students enrolled in Ohio institutions are core members of our communities, and their success has a direct impact on the places where we live and work. Scholarships help these students stay in school and support enrollment at our campuses, which in turn strengthens our communities and provides an economic boost.
When students persist and complete their education, the benefits grow exponentially, strengthening talent pipelines and helping meet workforce needs across the state.
Even if it may not feel like you are personally connected or invested in their success, the reality is that we all are.
Scholarships help feed an ecosystem of continuous care and outcomes, creating a cycle of support that spans generation to generation—lifting up the next group of graduates, paying it forward, and building stronger, more successful communities.
Scholarships Help:
Help close the average $6,000 tuition gap after aid.
Create Opportunity
More time to learn, lead, and grow.
Space to Focus
On time graduation and employment.
Student Success
Keep talent
in Ohio communities.
Talent Retention
Choose Your Scholarship Impact
The Ohio Scholars Program helps to create lasting impact for students, campuses, and communities across Ohio. A benefit of partnering with the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges is the ability to customize support based on the interests and passions of our funders, directing support appropriately.
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Rising Talent Scholarships
Support students preparing for in-demand careers that align with your industry’s needs. Ideal for organizations with a regional footprint in Ohio, this investment helps build a skilled workforce and strengthen the state’s economic future.
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Community Scholarships
Support students from your local area or attending nearby colleges. Your investment uplifts your community, expands opportunity for local talent, and creates lasting regional impact through education.
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Inspiration Scholarships
Support students who are underrepresented in the general student population, along with those who may be experiencing personal, financial, or academic challenges that make it harder for them to complete their college education successfully.
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Ohio Scholars Fund
Support students through the Ohio Scholars Fund, our general pooled fund. Combined with gifts from other donors, your support helps serve hundreds of students across Ohio.
When you support the Ohio Scholars Program, you can give with confidence knowing your generosity is thoughtfully managed and focused on creating opportunities for Ohio students. Individuals, families, foundations, and corporate partners can all support Ohio scholars. Leadership-level donors may also customize scholarship criteria and receive recognition through the scholarship they fund.
Decades of Experience
For more than 40 years, the Ohio Scholars Program has connected generosity with opportunity, helping students pursue their education at Ohio’s independent colleges and universities.
Your Gift, Our Commitment
Thoughtful Stewardship
100% of distributable scholarship funds go toward students’ education. Contributions received by May 31 are awarded for the upcoming academic year. OFIC works closely with member campuses to confirm student eligibility and ensure scholarship funds are awarded according to established criteria.
Meaningful Connections
OFIC helps donors stay connected to their impact through student reflections, photos, resumes, and other updates that bring each scholarship story to life.
Every dollar makes a difference.
Your support benefits more than one student: it strengthens a campus, a workforce, and a community. Together, these investments help build a stronger Ohio for generations to come.
