SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Community Foundation of the Ozarks will open applications on Tuesday, Feb. 1, for $1.8 million in scholarships for students pursuing advanced educational opportunities.
Awarding for the first time this year are two scholarships established by the estate of Clinton and Nancy Schilling. Six $3,000 scholarships are available for students pursuing an ag-related degree at a four-year university, and are renewable for three additional years. Four $2,000 scholarships also are available to students attending a two-year or vocational school, and are renewable for one additional year. Students in Barton, Dade, Jasper and Lawrence counties are eligible to apply.
The scholarships tie to the Schillings’ desire to help students learn trades and occupations that allow them to work with their hands, such as farming or welding.
“Mom and Dad were both passionate about helping those who otherwise would not be able to afford to go to school,” says Melissa Gluick of her mother and step-father’s wishes. “Not everyone is destined to be a college graduate, and we need many more in our workforce with vocational training or degrees.”
The fund for the Schilling scholarships was established with the CFO and the Lockwood Community Foundation.
In addition to the new scholarships, the CFO holds about 450 scholarship funds that will provide nearly 1,000 scholarships for students across central and southern Missouri for the 2022–23 school year. The scholarships are open to students for higher education and technical training programs.
Information about the scholarship opportunities is available at cfozarks.org/scholarships.
From there, students will be required to answer two eligibility questions, which will bring up a list of scholarships for which the student may be eligible. Students also can contact the counseling offices at their schools. Application deadlines vary, with the first due in mid-March. Amounts range from $250 to $6,000 per academic year, with many renewable for up to three additional years.
Scholarship funds are established by individuals, families or organizations with specific intentions, such as supporting students who graduate from the donor’s alma mater, pursue a certain field of study, or are members of marginalized or underserved populations. On the CFO’s online application system, each scholarship entry lists criteria for eligibility.
“We are grateful to serve as this important resource for both students and donors in our region,” said Beth Hersh, the CFO’s director of scholarships. “Many unique opportunities are available for students to apply for scholarships. We are ready to help with any questions that students or counselors may have.”
For more information about CFO scholarship programs, contact Beth Hersh at [email protected], or call (417) 864-6199.
Founded in 1973, the Community Foundation of the Ozarks is the region’s largest public charitable foundation serving a network of donors, 53 regional affiliate foundations — including the Lockwood Community Foundation — and nonprofit partners across central and southern Missouri through with assets of $394 million as of June 30.
