The Heart of OFIC
Igniting opportunity, one scholarship at a time, through the Ohio Scholars Program
Ohio Scholars Program
For 75 years, OFIC has worked to strengthen independent higher education across Ohio, including 40 years of experience managing scholarships that support both students and donors. Through this work, OFIC provides a trusted and flexible partnership, working with donors to create scholarship opportunities that reflect their interests, priorities, and goals. Scholarships can often make the difference between a student saying “yes” or “no” to attending college, helping bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity. OFIC manages the administration and matching of scholarships, ensuring each gift supports students who align with the donor’s intentions.
All scholarship gifts through the Ohio Scholars Program are philanthropic and charitable contributions, helping create lasting impact for students, campuses, and communities across Ohio.
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, teachers, healthcare professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
Scholarships Help:
Bridge the average $6,000 gap
Between financial aid and tuition dollars
Enhanced Experience
Less debt. Fewer hours working. More time to learn, lead, and grow.
On time graduation and employment
Keep
talent
in Ohio
communities
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.
Your Gift Matters to a Student, a Campus, and an Ohio Community
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A Sense of Support
Scholarships offer students a sense of comfort—knowing that others care about them and believe in their future.
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Gratitude & Impact
Students are deeply thankful for scholarships and clearly understand the immediate difference they make.
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Belonging & Inclusion
Scholarships help students feel included in their campus and community and affirm we value them.
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The Ripple Effect
Every dollar can help a student who may one day save a life, start a business, or serve their community.
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Bridging the Gap
The average gap in financial need is $6,000 per year. Scholarships help close this gap.
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Expanding Opportunity
Scholarships help open doors for students who may not find the same opportunities elsewhere.
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Supporting Communities
Donors can support local scholars or those who can strengthen local industries.
Meet Jalesha
Despite the many challenges Jalesha encountered, she successfully achieved her goal of graduating from college, an accomplishment made possible through the generous support of her scholarship donors.
New text about the opportunity.
Timeline:
Contributions Due by:
May 31 (spark)
Support Annual Scholarships
OFIC Matches Scholarships with Students:
Summer (flame)
Scholars are thriving on campus - highlights shared with donors:
Fall
(fire)
What you start they continue - building spark - flame, fire etc.
Pricing of scholarships:
Watch with talking about too much exclusivity - we need to watch that language of entry point being $3,500
Types of Scholarships
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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Ohio Scholars Program
General
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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.
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.
Students or families of students interested in learning more about the Ohio Scholars Program or Ready to apply?