2025 scholarship application
Applications are being accepting Monday, Jan. 13, through Friday, Feb. 14.
FAO has transitioned to a new online system, Foundation Cloud Community Portal, for funding applications, including scholarships. Before applying for a scholarship, all applicants must register and create an account in the new system. Once registered, click on the “Scholarship Application” tab and then select “Available Scholarships,” where you can access the specific scholarship application form.
For questions, please contact FAO at 740.753.1111 or view the Frequently Asked Questions page below.
About Dr. L. Allen Smith
The Dr. Allen Smith Memorial Scholarship honors the late Dr. L. Allen Smith, a native of Jackson, Ohio, and graduate of Ohio University. The Smith Scholarship also honors the work and legacy of Dr. Smith’s mother, the late Mary Ellen Smith.
Dr. Smith was a man of many interests and led two distinguished careers simultaneously. He was a professor in the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at Simmons College in Boston for 31 years, where he also served as associate dean from 2006 until his death in August 2008. At the same time, Dr. Smith was also a highly skilled farrier, a shoer of horses, serving two terms as president of the American Farriers Association.
A native of Jackson County, Mary Ellen Smith served as the first female member of the Jackson City School Board, including serving as president of the board.
The Dr. Allen Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund provides a permanent source of scholarship support to students graduating from Jackson City High School, where Dr. Smith was a student and his mother served.
Eligibility Requirements and Criteria
Each year, the fund awards two scholarships: the Smith Scholastic Award for Achievement in Math, Science and Engineering and the Smith Community Service Award, to honor Mary Ellen Smith’s legacy of community service and stewardship. Both scholarships are for graduating seniors of Jackson City High School who plan to attend a four-year college or university in Ohio.
The selection criteria for the Smith Scholastic Award include:
- High overall academic achievement, with a particular emphasis on high achievement and career interest in the math, science or engineering
- Financial need
- Community and extracurricular involvement, including musical and cultural activities
The selection criteria for the Smith Community Service Award include:
- High overall academic achievement, with particular emphasis on high achievement and career interest in music or arts
- Financial need
- Strong community and extracurricular involvement, demonstrating significant community service contributions and a lasting commitment to community service and stewardship
Application Period
Scholarship applications are accepted annually in January and February.