Last week, Ohio University President Roderick McDavis announced the addition of the Appalachian Scholars program to OU's overall efforts to diversify campus. The scholarship program will renew the initiative to attract students from the most economically downtrodden counties in Ohio. As part of a larger effort to create a more varied student body, this program will stimulate educational growth in a region that desperately needs it. At the same time, it will attract students who might otherwise overlook OU, as well as college in general. For those reasons, the Appalachian Scholars program deserves the support of students and faculty.
The most important consideration in assessing the worth of the new scholarship program is that it is selective but broad enough to attract the attention of Southeast Ohio's students to OU. Although they will be admitted from a pool comprising the 29 counties of Appalachian Ohio, the selection process will be rigorous. Eligible students must complete an application packet that includes two essays and two letters of recommendation, as well as participate in an interview process. In addition to financial need, grade point average, class rank and standardized test scores all will be assessed in determining who makes the cut. The program will not constitute mere handouts to any Appalachian student who applies. It is designed to single out enthusiastic students who have excelled academically.
Such a rigorous selection process only adds to the appeal of the program because it seems OU will be able to maintain its admissions standards and give back to rural Ohio at the same time.
Ten recipients will receive a four-year renewable scholarship, an annual book stipend, the opportunity to participate in an annual leadership seminar, internship opportunities, research and technology training and alumni mentoring. The program will extend to all six of OU's campuses and is slated to eventually increase availability to 40 incoming freshmen. For now, however, it marks a tiny step in a worthwhile direction for the university. Modeled after the recently introduced Urban Scholars Program, Appalachian Scholars is a satisfactory addition to the program that has preceded it.
The educational outlook in Appalachian Ohio remains bleak. Low graduation rates and a 32 percent disparity of college attendance - as compared with the national average - are just a few indicators that show the university's attempt to reach out and help these areas is justified. OU is doing its part to provide more financial incentive for students in Appalachian areas, and encouraging them to pursue higher education and their personal ambitions. With nearly 36 percent of its undergraduates hailing from Appalachian counties, OU is recognizing the need of stimulating intellectual growth in the region.
Fostering hope for the future where hope is dwindling, the program will reward those students who are not allowing their impoverished surroundings to dampen their ambitions. For its uniqueness and potential to increase opportunities for Southeast Ohio students, the Appalachian Scholars program is a worthwhile initiative.
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