SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro is excited to promote a $2,000 scholarship opportunity to high school seniors passionate about a future career in public service. The Ohio Counties Scholarship is sponsored by the County Commissioners Association of Ohio (CCAO) Research and Educational Foundation. Applicants should plan to attend a university, community college, training program, or vocational school in Ohio and plan to seek a career in public service. The application deadline is May 3, 2024. Throughout the state, there will be one scholarship offered to a student in each CCAO District (Central, Southwest, Southeast, Northwest, and Northeast).
Public service includes a wide range of roles, including caseworkers, police officers, court staff, prosecutors, IT specialists, city planners, and much more. With the rising costs of education, scholarships like this and other incentives such as the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program are attractive benefits to a career dedicated to public service.
“Even though my career began in the private sector, working in public service has been such a rewarding, fulfilling experience,” said Executive Shapiro. “This scholarship is a great opportunity for our local students with big hearts and a desire to serve their community. As County Executive and current CCAO Secretary, I am hopeful for many impressive submissions from our Summit County high school seniors!”
“Last year, the foundation had over 100 applicants from 53 of Ohio’s 88 counties,” said CCAO Executive Director Cheryl Subler. “This scholarship invests in one of Ohio’s most important assets – our youth.”
To apply, students must be high school seniors with at least a “B” average or equivalent overall GPA, a US citizen, and a resident of a county in Ohio. Applicants will submit a minimum 350-word essay on how they believe county governments in Ohio are improving residents’ lives, focusing on the county they live in. Applicants must also submit an official copy of their transcript and two letters of recommendation from teachers, community leaders, or elected officials.
To view the application, visit https://ccao.org/aws/CCAO/pt/sp/re-foundation
