Scholarship Program
The Ohio Township Association Scholarship Program overview and recipients.
The 2025 Scholarship Program winners will be announced by May 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.
2024 Scholarship Program Recipients
Alexis Cupp
Academic Achievement Winner
Madison Township, Pickaway County
High School: Teays Valley High School
College Attending: Miami University
Alexis Cupp, daughter of Shaun and Karla Cupp, will be graduating from Teays Valley High School and plans to attend Miami University studying linguistics.
Alexis is excited about studying linguistics because she intends to "pursue law school and believe(s) that it is important and fascinating to explore the intricacies and power of language."
Alexis chose Miami for its opportunities to pursue a variety of pathways and the welcoming nature of its faculty. She is looking forward to exploring her many interests and expanding her knowledge and leadership skills.
Madelyn Hovest
Academic Achievement Winner
Ottawa Township, Putnam County
High School: Ottawa-Glandorf High School
College Attending: University of Dayton
Madelyn Hovest, daughter of Brendon and Staci Hovest, will be graduating from Ottawa-Glandorf High School and plans to attend the University of Dayton with a major in biology on the pre-medicine track.
"I chose the University of Dayton because of its strong community," Madelyn said. "I am excited to use my education to develop skills so I can change people's lives for the better."
Madelyn looks forward to branching out in a new environment. She is confident in the University of Dayton's opportunities and experiences that will allow her to reach her academic potential.
Maura Johnson
Local Government Achievement Winner
Symmes Township, Hamilton County
High School: Loveland High School
College Attending: Ohio State University
Maura Johnson, daughter of Mike and Kim Johnson, will be graduating from Loveland High School and plans to attend The Ohio State University studying marketing at their College of Business.
"After many visits, The Ohio State University finally started to feel like home," Maura said. "I know that their amazing business program will also help me achieve my goals."
She is looking forward to meeting new people from all over the country who also decided to attend OSU while exploring the creative aspects of her major.
Trey Schmelzer
Trade School Winner
Newberry Township, Miami County
High School: Bradford High School / Upper Valley Career Center
Program Attending: Hobart Institute of Welding Technologies
Trey Schmelzer, son of Chad and Jeannette Schmelzer, will be graduating from Bradford High School and Upper Valley Career Center and plans to attend Hobart Institute of Welding Technologies.
"I have been around welding my whole life (with) my dad," Trey said. He admires welding for "the ability to craft something from nothing."
Trey is excited to gain more knowledge in the field of welding. He looks forward to learning more about how welding works and how machines are set up.