Scholarship Program
The Ohio Township Association Scholarship Program overview and recipients.
The Ohio Township Association Scholarship Program began in 2005. Many years prior to this, former board member Paul Smith and his wife, Ethel, gave the initial donation to the OTA Scholarship Fund, providing the groundwork for future scholarships. The scholarships are also funded by donations from County Township Associations, personal gifts, and proceeds from the OTA's annual golf outing.
This year, we will be awarding up to five high school seniors $1,500 each for their future education. To learn more about each scholarship, including all requirements and eligibility, please click the links below.
Wondering if you reside in a township? Consult your local County Auditor's website and input your home address in the property search function to obtain tax and property details. If you're looking for your local township officials, contact your County Board of Elections.
For more information or if you have questions, please call our office at (614) 863-0045.
The 2027 application period will open on September 1, 2026, and closes January 31, 2027.
Can I have an extension on the deadline?
The deadline to apply for a scholarship is January 31 at 11:59 p.m. There are no extensions or exceptions to the deadline.
When will I be notified about my scholarship status?
You will be notified no later than May 1 on the status of the scholarship you applied for.
Can I apply to more than one scholarship?
Yes. Students who plan to attend a four-year university or college in Ohio can apply for both the Academic Achievement and Local Government Achievement scholarships. However, only one scholarship will be awarded. If a student plans to attend a trade or vocational school, there is only one scholarship available at this time.
If I am a township employee, can my child apply for the scholarship?
Yes. Anyone who meets the scholarship requirements can apply, no matter what position their parent/guardian holds within the township.
Do I have to attend a township meeting?
Attending a township meeting and having at least two elected officials sign your attendance form is a requirement for all applications.
Do I have to attend a meeting in the township where I live?
No. You can attend any township meeting in your county. It does not have to be a township that you reside in.
If I have to exit the application online, do I need to start over?
You can exit the application anytime, and you will not need to start your application over again. The system will save your application as you fill it out so you can pick up where you left off.
What should I do if I am having trouble uploading documents to my application online?
You can email any documents for your application to Anne Beauch.
What if I have a teacher or community leader who wants to send their recommendation separately from my application? Can they do that?
Yes. If someone would like to send in a letter of recommendation, they can submit it to Anne Beauch. We will ensure that it is added to the student’s file prior to review.
Do I have to submit everything?
Yes, you must submit all of the requirements requested to be eligible for a scholarship. You must be a high school senior, have at least a “B” cumulative average or equivalent overall GPA, be a U.S. citizen and resident of a township in Ohio, and must plan to attend a college or university, training program, or vocational school in Ohio. Other application requirements for each scholarship can be found here.
I found a township meeting to attend after the deadline. Can I turn in everything except for my meeting attendance form and submit it after the deadline?
No. All required forms and information, including the meeting attendance form, are due January 31, 2026. Nothing may be submitted after the deadline.
Who can I contact with additional questions?
Contact Anne Beauch, OTA Director of Communications.
2026 Scholarship Program Recipients
Allan Burchfield
Trade School Winner
Tiffin Township, Defiance County
High School: Tinora High School / Four County Career Center
Program Attending: Owens Community College
Allan Burchfield will attend Owens Community College, where he plans to major in welding. Burchfield said he chose Owens because it offered the welding program he wanted as well as the opportunity to play baseball. He said welding has long interested him, and he looks forward to continuing to learn new techniques and build the practical skills needed to become a better welder.
Mekedes Butsch
Academic Achievement Winner
Butler Township, Darke County
High School: Tri-Village High School
College Attending: The Ohio State University
Mekedes Butsch will attend The Ohio State University, where she plans to major in neuroscience and minor in Spanish. She said a deciding factor in choosing Ohio State was the opportunity to research and work at one of its many university hospitals. Butsch said she is excited to immerse herself in her studies, experience life in Columbus, and continue growing as a lifelong learner.
Samuel Gentry
Academic Achievement Winner
Scioto Township, Jackson County
High School: Oak Hill High School
College Attending: Ohio University
Samuel Gentry will attend Ohio University to study mechanical engineering. Gentry said Ohio University’s Russ College of Engineering and Technology offered the right balance of strong academics and community. He is especially interested in the potential for sustainability, renewal, and growth in Appalachian Ohio, and looks forward to classes and internship opportunities that will expand his knowledge in the engineering field.
Ava Smallcombe
Local Government Achievement Winner
Richland Township, Allen County
High School: Bluffton High School
College Attending: The Ohio State University
Ava Smallcombe will attend The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs. She plans to study public affairs while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in public management, leadership, and policy. Smallcombe said she was drawn to the program’s strong academics, real-world impact, and hands-on focus on leadership and service. She said she is excited to learn more about how policy shapes communities, meet new people, gain new perspectives, and prepare for a future in public service.
Luke Weinhauer
Local Government Achievement Winner
Brunswick Hills Township, Medina County
High School: Brunswick Hills High School
College Attending: Miami University
Luke Weinhauer will attend Miami University to study business. Weinhauer said he was drawn to Miami by the beauty of its campus and the strength of its business program. He is excited to study emerging technologies and data analytics, with the goal of one day opening his own company, and looks forward to taking advantage of the university’s resources to help him succeed.