OHIO offers prestigious merit-based and need-based scholarship opportunities to our most competitive incoming first-year students. In addition to generous scholarship funding, these programs provide students with resources to support their success at Ohio University. Eligible students who apply to the Athens campus of Ohio University by the November 15 early action deadline will receive a separate invitation to apply for these highly competitive scholarship programs.
Program Overview
The Appalachian Scholars and Urban Scholars Programs are merit- and need-based scholarship programs for incoming first-year students who reside in one of Ohio’s Appalachian counties or graduated from an urban school district in Ohio as determined by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. The programs provide scholarship support to students with demonstrated financial need and academic achievement. To be eligible, students must have a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA (highest weighted or unweighted, recalculated to a 4.0 scale), apply to the university by the November 15 early action deadline and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the first-priority date of at least February 15.
Program Requirements
- Earn 30 credit hours annually, 15 each per fall and spring semester.
- Maintain 2.5 cumulative GPA by end of each academic year
- View all renewal requirements
Program Experience
Through the OHIO LINKS Program, the Appalachian Scholars and Urban Scholars Programs operate together to offer a cohort-based experience that supports scholarship recipients’ transition to college and their academic, personal and social success. These opportunities include:
First-Year Special Issues Course
Appalachian Scholars and Urban scholars enroll together in a 1-credit course during their first year. This course is centered on student participation inside and outside the classroom and offers a discussion-based seminar and a customized path to academic enrichment, leadership and planning and professional development.
Peer Mentoring
Appalachian Scholars and Urban Scholars are connected to upperclass mentors who serve as a bridge to the campus community. Mentors help new scholars navigate their transition to college, connecting them to student organizations, social opportunities, support staff and academic resources.
Academic Success Coaching
Appalachian Scholars and Urban Scholars are offered opportunities for academic coaching and skill building. Scholars are encouraged to develop an ongoing coaching relationship with our academic support staff. Our academic support staff work closely with the advising offices across the University to support the success of our scholars.
Career & Professional Development
The LINKS program hosts a variety of events and opportunities that prepare students for successful job searches and career outcomes. Examples of events include networking with potential employers, mock job interviews, career panels, LinkedIn workshops and more.
Community Engagement
Appalachian Scholars and Urban Scholars are encouraged to engage in community service and engagement opportunities. These opportunities allow students to explore and address issues that impact Appalachian and Urban communities.
Renewal Requirements
The Appalachian and Urban Scholars programs offer a cohort-based experience that supports students’ transition to college and their academic, personal and social success. Appalachian and Urban Scholars earn a four-year, renewable scholarship. To maintain the Appalachian or Urban Scholars award, recipients must:
- Register for at least 15 credit hours each fall and spring semester and earn 30 credit hours each academic year. (All courses must be Athens campus-based; Athens-based online courses are permitted.)
- Maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) by the end of each academic year.
- Enroll in a first-year special issues course
- Complete a minimum of 16 community service hours each academic year.
- Utilize Appalachian/Urban Scholars and University-wide student support services, including:
- LINKS (a college transition and support program offered through the Multicultural Center)
- Peer mentoring
- Academic success coaching
- Career and professional development opportunities
- Community engagement opportunities
- Attend regular academic progress meetings with Multicultural Center staff.
The Appalachian and Urban Scholars programs are committed to student success. If an Appalachian or Urban Scholar does not meet renewal requirements, reinstatement may be considered at the discretion of the director of the Multicultural Center after all program requirements described above are attained. Typically, if reinstatement occurs, it will be effective the semester after the GPA requirement is attained or the year after other program requirements are attained, and students may make a written appeal for earlier reinstatement.