FAO’s general scholarship application

FAO’s general scholarship application supports nearly 30 scholarships in one easy-to-access application. Applications are accepted annually in January and February.

View all scholarship opportunities

Scholarship Selection and Payment Process

Each scholarship fund has its own selection process and guidelines. The Scholarship Advisory Committee for FAO’s general application reviews student applications. FAO will notify students who are selected for an award via email (please check spam folders) or mail. Email Scholarships@ffao.org or call 740-753-1111 with questions about the process.

To process your scholarship award payment, please send a copy of your fall class schedule showing the school name, your name and your student ID number as proof of enrollment as soon as you have that information. Email all correspondence to Scholarships@ffao.org, or send by mail to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, 35 Public Square, Nelsonville, OH 45764.

Once your payment is sent, the Scholarship Manager at FAO will notify you via email (check spam folder). It may take time for the award to appear in your student account. If you would like to find out about the status of your scholarship payment, contact Scholarships@ffao.org or call 740-753-1111.

Top Frequently Asked Questions for Scholarships

Each scholarship is different and has unique requirements. However, the most common requirements are:

  • Personal Statement Questions
  • Transcript(s)
  • Student Aid Report from Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Letters of Recommendation (Appraisal Forms)

FAO’s general scholarship application will open Jan. 13, 2025, with applications due by Feb. 14, 2025. Other scholarship applications may have different deadlines.

Figuring out how to pay for college can be a stressful and challenging process. Most students will need some type of financial aid in order to pay for college expenses. Several types of financial aid are available, although each type is different in how it is awarded and how or whether or not it must be paid back.

Grants are a form of gift aid that means they do not need to be paid back, making them an ideal form of financial aid. Grants are awarded based primarily on financial need but may also be based on merit. The largest grant program is the Federal Pell Grant. Other federal, state and college grant programs are also available for qualifying students. To be eligible for these grants, you must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Scholarships are another form of gift aid, which are often awarded for achievement in academics, leadership, arts, athletics, financial need or other criteria. Scholarships may come from private donors, businesses, organizations, foundations and universities/colleges themselves.

  • Begin your college scholarship search with the high school guidance office. Here you can ask for local grants and scholarships that are awarded to the students at your high school every year.
  • The college admissions office is the next stop for scholarship information. Check to see what scholarships are available for students planning to attend the college and the list of qualifications for each. Do you already know what you’ll be studying? Then mention that; they may know of scholarships for the major you are planning to study.
  • Visit the Ohio Department of Higher Education website.
  • Two places to look when searching for scholarships online are CollegeBoard.com and FastWeb.com. Both websites have been around for over 15 years and will give you a list of recommended scholarships. Be sure to verify any offers. You will want to be on your guard against college scholarship scams found in your email, in your snail mail and even advertised in your newspaper.

Student Loans are a type of financial aid that must be repaid. They are available in two main forms, federal government loans and private loans, and may be secured by both students and parents. Federal loans generally have lower interest rates and more repayment options than private loans, but some communities offer student loan programs at reduced interest rates or interest-free, so it pays to research various local opportunities to secure student loans.

Work-Study, also based on financial need, allows students to earn money while attending college through a variety of campus jobs. Students are paid an hourly wage and may earn up to an amount specified as part of their financial aid award package.

Military Funding. Organizations such as ROTC or the National Guard may pay part or all of a student’s tuition and college expenses. Students should contact local recruiters for information.

Additional ways to fund your college education include the following:

Cooperative Education – Students may earn money for college and college credit through a combined program in which they work as they attend school.

Part-time Employment – On-campus or off-campus jobs can often be tailored around students’ class and study schedules.

Tuition Payment Plans – Many colleges allow students to pay their tuition in installments rather than all at once.

Prepaid Tuition Plans – Some states offer prepaid tuition plans to qualified residents. The Ohio Tuition Trust Authority offers the CollegeAdvantage 529 Savings Plan.

We would like to thank the Ohio College Access Network for providing the above information to our organization and others throughout the state. OCAN is an independent 501 (c)(3) organization that provides leadership and support for Ohio college access organizations while working closely with the Ohio Board of Regents, the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Business Roundtable to help increase the college-going rate in the state.