John B. Firestone Charitable Trust Scholarship Program
For the 2024-2025 Academic Year

The John B. Firestone Charitable Trust Scholarship Program provides college scholarships for qualifying students from Spencer, Ohio. Each year the importance of a bachelor's degree increases dramatically. This program strives to make college more affordable for everyone.

Scholar selection and administration of the program is handled by The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC). Funds are sent directly to each scholar's college and applied toward the cost of tuition.  Since both tuition and the amount of financial aid offered varies greatly among institutions, scholarship amounts also vary depending on the college chosen and the estimated family contribution as determined by the FASFA. This often means students find that some colleges with higher stated tuition costs may be more affordable than some with lower stated costs.

Scholarships may be used at any accredited public or private institution in the United States.

Scholarship Criteria

High School seniors and current college students may apply. Current scholars may apply for renewal. To be eligible for these scholarships, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Resident of Spencer Township or Spencer Village, Ohio.

  • Enrolled full-time in a bachelor's degree program at an accredited not-for-profit institution OR Enrolled full-time in a post-secondary technical program, certificate program, online program or associates degree program at an accredited not for profit educational institution.

  • Minimum 3.0 High School GPA, 3.0 college GPA for renewal.

  • Completion of scholarship application.

Graduate students will be considered depending on available funds and are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA.

All required materials must be received no later than April 1st. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Scholarship Application Requirements

In addition to submitting the application, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and upload the resulting Submission Summary (formerly SAR) to your application. The FAFSA Submission Summary includes your Student Aid Index (formerly EFC). For instructions, see www.fafsa.ed.gov.

The academic record of Black River High School students will be verified directly with the Guidance Office. If you are not currently a student at Black River High School but otherwise meet the eligibility criteria, submit an official copy of your most recent transcript from your college or high school within the application.

Questions? Email scholarships@ofic.org