Scholarship Program
The Ohio Township Association Scholarship Program overview and recipients.
The 2026 Scholarship Program will open on September 1, 2025.
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.
Scholarship Qualifications and Requirements
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.
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.
I am having trouble downloading the meeting attendance form. What do I do?
If you cannot download the meeting attendance form, email Anne Beauch, and she will email you the document.
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, 2025. Nothing may be submitted after the deadline.
Who can I contact with additional questions?
Contact Anne Beauch, OTA Director of Communications.
2025 Scholarship Program Recipients
Kelley Forsythe
Academic Achievement Winner
McArthur Township, Logan County
High School: Benjamin Logan High School
College Attending: The Ohio State University
Kelley Forsythe, daughter of Kim and Joe Forsythe, will graduate from Benjamin Logan High School and attend The Ohio State University to study health science.
Kelley is drawn to health science because of its broad scope. "It will allow me to explore many aspects of medicine and give me more direction for my final career," she said.
Kelley chose Ohio State for its large campus and numerous opportunities for professional development. She is eager to meet people from across the country and live in the city.
Spencer Shook
Academic Achievement Winner
Wayne Township, Muskingum County
High School: Philo High School
College Attending: Ohio University
Spencer Shook, son of Adam and Brianne Shook, will graduate from Philo High School and attend Ohio University, majoring in civil engineering.
"I chose Ohio University because it offers a welcoming college-town atmosphere that feels like home," Spencer said. "I am excited about civil engineering because of its diverse opportunities. I want to explore construction management and land surveying and contribute to the design, planning, and development of infrastructure that shapes communities."
He looks forward to the new challenges, independence, and opportunities that Ohio University will bring him.
Gabriella Izzo
Local Government Achievement Winner
Lafeyette Township, Medina County
High School: Cloverleaf High School
College Attending: University of Findlay
Gabriella Izzo, daughter of Antonio and Emily Izzo, will graduate from Cloverleaf High School and attend the University of Findlay, majoring in animal science on the pre-veterinary track.
"I like the structure of the animal science program and the sense of community at the school," Gabriella said. "I want to be a large-animal vet because I love working with livestock."
She is enthusiastic about the hands-on experience and the opportunity to meet others in the agriculture industry.
Vanessa Monhemius
Local Government Achievement Winner
Chatham Township, Medina County
High School: Cloverleaf High School
Program Attending: Ashland University
Vanessa Monhemius, daughter of John and Elizabeth Monhemius, will graduate from Cloverleaf High School and attend Ashland University to study mathematics and integrated mathematics education.
"I have always wanted to be a teacher, and pursuing these areas of study will allow me to combine my passion for math with my dream career," said Vanessa.
After being warmly welcomed by Ashland’s students and faculty, she is looking forward to meeting new people and having the opportunity to gain valuable field experience for her future career.
Caden Zion
Trade School Winner
Butler Township, Columbiana County
High School: West Branch High School / Mahoning County Career and Technical Center
Program Attending: Youngstown/Canton Joint Apprenticeship and Training Center
Caden Zion, son of Chris and Mandy Zion, will graduate from West Branch High School and the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center. He plans to attend the Youngstown/Canton Joint Apprenticeship and Training Center’s five-year inside/commercial electrician apprenticeship program.
"After almost a year of hands-on electrical experience through my career education program and working 20-30 hours a week with a local electrical company, I realized how much I enjoy commercial electrical work," Caden said.
He is drawn to the precision of the trade and the scale of commercial projects. He looks forward to completing the program and earning his journeyman’s license.