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Appalachian Scholars and Urban Scholars Programs

Appalachian Scholars and Urban Scholars 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 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s Appalachian counties or graduated from an urban school district in Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ as determined by the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 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 February 15.

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. 

First-Year Special Issues Course

Appalachian Scholars and Urban Scholars enroll in a special section of the OHIO Honors Program HC 2400 course, which focuses on exploring pathways in community engagement, research and creative activity, and leadership.

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.

Apply

After completing the application for admission to OHIO, eligible students will be emailed and invited to complete the OHIO Honors and Scholars supplemental application for consideration. 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 February 15. Students selected to advance in the process will be invited to interview. Interviews typically take place virtually in January and February. 

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:

  1. 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.)
  2. Maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average
  3. Enroll in a first-year special issues course
  4. Complete a minimum of 16 community service hours each academic year.
  5. Utilize Appalachian/Urban Scholars and University-wide student support services, including:
    1. LINKS
    2. Peer mentoring
    3. Academic success coaching
    4. Career and professional development opportunities
    5. Community engagement opportunities
    6. 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 Honors Tutorial College 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.