Students Set Record For Most Scholarship Applications In Foundation’s History

Marietta, OH – For many communities around the world, the transition from winter to spring symbolizes new beginnings. For the Marietta Community Foundation, spring doesn’t just bring about new weather patterns, but it marks the beginning of another year for making a difference in the Washington County community.

In last year’s scholarship cycle, the Foundation received close to 300 scholarship applications. However, this 2019 scholarship cycle yielded 467 total submissions: over a 150 application increase. The Foundation’s Board of Directors and Staff take this increase as a sign that the organization is building positive momentum.

“We are barely into the 2019 and already the Foundation has reached multiple milestones,” said Heather Allender, President and CEO of the Foundation. “We hired a third full-time staff person, we announced our largest bequest the Foundation has ever received at the beginning of the year, and now we have received the largest number of scholarship applications, for a single cycle, in our history.”

Several individuals, including Dr. Bret Frye of Frye Orthodontics and Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, cited several factors which may have led to this increase.

“I believe the greater than 50% increase in applications is indicative multiple factors. Soaring education costs, savvy students aggressively pursuing opportunities, and the marketing created by the Foundation’s staff: Heather Allender, Brittani Merritt, and Mason Beuhring,” said Frye.

Another contribution to this unprecedented increase could also be attributed to several new scholarships introduced for the first time in 2019, including the Carol Christy Scholarship which can cover up to 50% of a student’s tuition and fees.

For any questions regarding scholarships please contact Heather Allender at heather@mcfohio.org.