Fund Your Future
Fund Your Future
The Great Oaks Education Foundation is committed to helping students take the next step after graduation. Each May, scholarships and grants are awarded to graduating high school seniors and adult education students to help offset the costs of college tuition, training programs, certifications, tools, equipment, supplies, and other expenses. These funds provide a strong foundation for future success and help students continue their education or launch their careers with confidence.
Great Oaks Education Foundation Scholarship
$1,000 – One awarded at each campus
The Great Oaks Education Foundation Scholarship is awarded to one student from each of the Great Oaks Career Campuses. The foundation believes in providing support to meet our students' needs, so they can focus on their education and future.
Essay prompt: The Great Oaks Education Foundation has been instrumental in meeting the needs of students. Please share how you will “give back” to your community and be involved with making your community a better place to live.
Angela M. and John G. Halpin Skilled Trade Labor Grant
$500
The Angela M. and John G. Halpin Grant is given in recognition of the Halpins' belief in the value and need for skilled labor. The Halpin family believes in the importance of providing our adult and high school graduates the tools and equipment needed to be successful as they start their careers, as well as continuing to increase their skills by earning additional credentials and certifications in their field.
Eligible programs:
- Automotive Refinishing & Collision Repair
- Automotive Service Technology
- Aviation Exploration
- Aviation Maintenance Technician & Engineering
- Commercial & Residential Electricity
- Construction Technologies
- Engineering Technology & Robotics
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
- Heavy Equipment Operations
- Industrial Diesel Mechanics
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology
- Welding & Fabrication
Essay prompt: I believe in the importance of preparing and supporting the Skilled Labor force and its impact on employment and our communities because...
Mary Helen Steinauer Memorial Scholarship
$1,000
The Mary Helen Steinauer Scholarship is given in recognition of her devotion as an educator. Mary Helen inspired, influenced, and nurtured the lives of countless students and colleagues. She believed in the importance of education as well as providing support and guidance to students and teachers.
Essay prompt: Mary Helen Steinauer believed in the importance of education and always putting forth one's best. Please share how attending a Great Oaks Career Campus has changed/altered your attitude about the importance of education.
Linda A. Acheson Memorial Nursing Scholarship
$750 – Two awarded
The Linda A Acheson Memorial Nursing Scholarship is awarded to two Great Oaks students who plan to pursue a career in the nursing profession. Linda A Acheson was an RN for over 30 years. She worked the Hospital floor, the Surgical Department, and as a Home Health Nurse. She had a passion for helping others in all ways, but especially with their medical needs. This scholarship is awarded in her memory to help others become nurses so they can carry on Linda’s passion.
Eligibility: Pursuing a career in the nursing field.
Essay prompt: What is your plan for your future, and how has your Career and Technical Program prepared you for your future in a health-related field?
The Jyan Waespe Memorial Scholarship
$1,000 – Twenty to be awarded
The Jyan Waespe Memorial Scholarship is awarded to twenty seniors enrolled in an Automotive Service, Auto Collision, or Diesel program who plan to continue their education or purchase tools and supplies for their career. Jyan Waespe had a deep passion for cars—modifying them, drifting them, and sharing his knowledge with friends. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and love of life. This scholarship honors his memory by supporting students who share his enthusiasm for the automotive world and who are ready to turn their passion into a career.
Eligible programs: Auto Collision, Auto Service, and Diesel Mechanics.
Essay prompt: Share what inspired your interest in the automotive industry, describe your future goals, and explain how this scholarship would help you develop your skills and launch your career.
Diamond Oaks Bright Futures Scholarship
$3,000
The Diamond Oaks Bright Futures Scholarship is awarded to one graduating senior from Diamond Oaks who has excelled in their career-tech lab and academic courses and also demonstrates financial need. This scholarship is funded by the Great Oaks Education Foundation, which works to remove barriers in education and career advancement.
Essay prompt: You will always be part of Great Oaks, and many hands helped to guide you and make your education possible. In the future, how will you lend your hands to help guide future generations?
Diamond Oaks Womenkind Scholarship
$1,000
Womankind’s mission is to empower young women through educational experiences, and this scholarship would provide support to help the recipient reach her educational and professional goals. The Diamond Oaks Womankind members have raised funds for the scholarship. This award can be used for any post-secondary educational or professional needs, including coursework and certifications.
Eligibility: Member of Diamond Oaks Womankind
Essay prompt: Womankind works to empower its members through educational experiences. We offer this scholarship to support our members' educational and professional endeavors. Please share how this award will help you fulfill your goals.
Diamond Oaks National Technical Honor Society Scholarship
$500
This scholarship would provide support to help the recipient pay for educational or career-related materials, including, but not limited to, textbooks, coursework, tools, and uniforms. This scholarship is open to Diamond Oaks Students in a workforce development program qualifying for graduation and a member of NTHS.
Eligibility: Member of Diamond Oaks NTHS
Essay prompt: Using at least one of the core values of the National Technical Honor Society, describe in less than 500 words, how that value has contributed to your success at Diamond Oaks and how it will help you in your future endeavors. The core values are: skill, honesty, service, responsibility, scholarship, citizenship, and leadership.
Laurel Oaks Evergreen Scholarship
$3,000
The Laurel Oaks Evergreen Scholarship is awarded to one graduating senior from Laurel Oaks who has excelled in their career-tech lab and academic courses, and also demonstrates financial need. This scholarship is funded by the Great Oaks Education Foundation, which works to remove barriers in education and career advancement.
Essay prompt: You will always be part of Great Oaks, and many hands helped to guide you and make your education possible. In the future, how will you lend your hands to help guide future generations?
Harper Jane Zuefle Memorial Scholarship
$1,000
The Harper Jane Zuefle Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a Laurel Oaks senior. Harper was a young student at the Acorn Center who was tragically killed. The recipient of this special honor not only meets high standards in both academic and career skills, but is also an individual who “lights up a room” just as Harper’s presence always did.
Eligibility: Student with an IEP/504 plan
Essay prompt: “If you could change one thing to make the world a better place, what would it be?” Think about things you would change. Think about reasons you would change them. Choose one thing to change and tell your readers several reasons why it is the most important thing to change to make the world a better place. Remember to use specific details to support and explain your reasons. Use interesting adjectives and descriptions to make your essay interesting to read.
Referral Network of Central Ohio Scholarship
$500
At the Referral Network of Central Ohio, we do more than just grow our businesses—we give back. We are proud to support the next generation of skilled professionals through our partnership with Great Oaks. We believe that technical education empowers individuals to build better lives and stronger communities. To support this mission, we offer grants to students completing their education at the Laurel Oaks Career Campus. Whether you need to invest in essential tools for your trade or want to further your education, we are here to help you succeed.
Essay prompt: I believe that a skilled labor force is important to my community because…
O.A.K.S (Outstanding Achievement Through Knowledge and Service) Scholarship
$3,000
The O.A.K.S. Scholarship is awarded to one graduating senior from Live Oaks who has excelled in their career-tech lab and academic courses, and also demonstrates financial need. O.A.K.S. stands for Outstanding Achievement Through Knowledge and Service. This scholarship is funded by the Great Oaks Education Foundation, which works to remove barriers in education and career advancement.
Essay prompt: You will always be part of Great Oaks, and many hands helped to guide you and make your education possible. In the future, how will you lend your hands to help guide future generations?
Live Oaks Digital Arts & Design Grant
$750 – Two to be awarded
The Live Oaks Digital Arts and Design Grant is awarded to two Live Oaks Digital Arts and Design seniors in order to assist them with their educational goals and/or for a purchase that will assist them in their field. This grant will be awarded based on a piece of artwork and a 500-word essay that explains the piece of artwork.
Eligibility: Live Oaks DAAD student
Essay prompt: Applicant will submit a piece of artwork that represents themselves or an event they have gone through that has impacted their life. They will submit an essay that explains their artwork submission.
Scarlet Oaks Crimson Scholarship
$3,000
The Scarlet Oaks Crimson Scholarship is awarded to one graduating senior from Scarlet Oaks who has excelled in their career-tech lab and academic courses, and also demonstrates financial need. This scholarship is funded by the Great Oaks Education Foundation, which works to remove barriers in education and career advancement.
Essay prompt: You will always be part of Great Oaks, and many hands helped to guide you and make your education possible. In the future, how will you lend your hands to help guide future generations?
James Hulick Memorial Scholarship
$1,000
The James Hulick Memorial Scholarship is given to a Scarlet Oaks student by the family of James Hulick. James was a Scarlet Oaks mechanics student in the 1970s and passed away during his senior year. This scholarship may be used towards tools for the field or for continuing their education.
Eligibility: Scarlet Oaks students enrolled in a transportation program
Essay prompt: Describe how you have demonstrated leadership ability both in and out of school. Be sure to discuss a special attribute or accomplishment that sets you apart from your peers. Elaborate on your most meaningful achievement and how they relate to your field of study.
Rotary Club of Northeast Cincinnati Success Grand
$500 – Five to be awarded
The Rotary Club of Northeast Cincinnati will be awarding five $500 grants to Scarlet Oaks Seniors. These grants can be used to help prepare for your next steps in life, whether it is buying tools or completing a certificate to start your trade, or furthering your education.
Essay prompt: The Rotary Club of Northeast Cincinnati is a network of leaders who come together to support youth education, fight poverty, and make a positive impact on those they serve at home and worldwide. We offer a Success Grant as a way to make that positive impact on those we serve at home, in this case, students who have completed their high school education but need assistance with their next step forward. Please share how this grant will help you fulfill your career goals as you move forward in your life.
Satellite Success Scholarship
$3,000
The Satellites Success Scholarship is awarded to one graduating senior enrolled in a Great Oaks Satellite program who has excelled in their career-tech program and academic courses, and also demonstrates financial need. This scholarship is funded by the Great Oaks Education Foundation, which works to remove barriers in education and career advancement.
Essay prompt: You will always be part of Great Oaks, and many hands helped to guide you and make your education possible. In the future, how will you lend your hands to help guide future generations?
Burchy Schulte Memorial Scholarship
$500
The Burchy Schulte Memorial Scholarship Fund is awarded to a Reading High School senior enrolled in a Great Oaks campus program. Burchy himself was a Reading graduate, as were both of his children and both of his grandchildren. This scholarship was created to honor Burchy's legacy of lifelong service to education and his community. In particular, he believed that Career & Technical Education helped to forge successful career pathways and improved people’s lives. His decades of volunteer service and leadership on the Great Oaks Career Campuses Board of Directors and Great Oaks Education Foundation are a testament to that belief. Burchy woke up every day with a smile on his face and approached the world, wondering, "What can I do today that will help make someone else's day better"?
Eligibility: Demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism
Essay prompt: Describe your work ethic and how it contributes to improving your life, building character, and helping others. How does volunteerism enrich one's life and the life of one's community?
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Great Oaks Education Foundation Scholarship
$1,000 – One awarded at each campusThe Great Oaks Education Foundation Scholarship is awarded to one student from each of the Great Oaks Career Campuses. The foundation believes in providing support to meet our students' needs, so they can focus on their education and future.
Essay prompt: The Great Oaks Education Foundation has been instrumental in meeting the needs of students. Please share how you will “give back” to your community and be involved with making your community a better place to live.
Angela M. and John G. Halpin Skilled Trade Labor Grant
$500The Angela M. and John G. Halpin Grant is given in recognition of the Halpins' belief in the value and need for skilled labor. The Halpin family believes in the importance of providing our adult and high school graduates the tools and equipment needed to be successful as they start their careers, as well as continuing to increase their skills by earning additional credentials and certifications in their field.
Eligible programs:
- Automotive Refinishing & Collision Repair
- Automotive Service Technology
- Aviation Exploration
- Aviation Maintenance Technician & Engineering
- Commercial & Residential Electricity
- Construction Technologies
- Engineering Technology & Robotics
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
- Heavy Equipment Operations
- Industrial Diesel Mechanics
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology
- Welding & Fabrication
Essay prompt: I believe in the importance of preparing and supporting the Skilled Labor force and its impact on employment and our communities because...
Mary Helen Steinauer Memorial Scholarship
$1,000The Mary Helen Steinauer Scholarship is given in recognition of her devotion as an educator. Mary Helen inspired, influenced, and nurtured the lives of countless students and colleagues. She believed in the importance of education as well as providing support and guidance to students and teachers.
Essay prompt: Mary Helen Steinauer believed in the importance of education and always putting forth one's best. Please share how attending a Great Oaks Career Campus has changed/altered your attitude about the importance of education.
Linda A. Acheson Memorial Nursing Scholarship
$750 – Two awardedThe Linda A Acheson Memorial Nursing Scholarship is awarded to two Great Oaks students who plan to pursue a career in the nursing profession. Linda A Acheson was an RN for over 30 years. She worked the Hospital floor, the Surgical Department, and as a Home Health Nurse. She had a passion for helping others in all ways, but especially with their medical needs. This scholarship is awarded in her memory to help others become nurses so they can carry on Linda’s passion.
Eligibility: Pursuing a career in the nursing field.
Essay prompt: What is your plan for your future, and how has your Career and Technical Program prepared you for your future in a health-related field?
The Jyan Waespe Memorial Scholarship
$1,000 – Twenty to be awardedThe Jyan Waespe Memorial Scholarship is awarded to twenty seniors enrolled in an Automotive Service, Auto Collision, or Diesel program who plan to continue their education or purchase tools and supplies for their career. Jyan Waespe had a deep passion for cars—modifying them, drifting them, and sharing his knowledge with friends. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and love of life. This scholarship honors his memory by supporting students who share his enthusiasm for the automotive world and who are ready to turn their passion into a career.
Eligible programs: Auto Collision, Auto Service, and Diesel Mechanics.
Essay prompt: Share what inspired your interest in the automotive industry, describe your future goals, and explain how this scholarship would help you develop your skills and launch your career.
-
Diamond Oaks Bright Futures Scholarship
$3,000The Diamond Oaks Bright Futures Scholarship is awarded to one graduating senior from Diamond Oaks who has excelled in their career-tech lab and academic courses and also demonstrates financial need. This scholarship is funded by the Great Oaks Education Foundation, which works to remove barriers in education and career advancement.
Essay prompt: You will always be part of Great Oaks, and many hands helped to guide you and make your education possible. In the future, how will you lend your hands to help guide future generations?
Diamond Oaks Womenkind Scholarship
$1,000Womankind’s mission is to empower young women through educational experiences, and this scholarship would provide support to help the recipient reach her educational and professional goals. The Diamond Oaks Womankind members have raised funds for the scholarship. This award can be used for any post-secondary educational or professional needs, including coursework and certifications.
Eligibility: Member of Diamond Oaks Womankind
Essay prompt: Womankind works to empower its members through educational experiences. We offer this scholarship to support our members' educational and professional endeavors. Please share how this award will help you fulfill your goals.
Diamond Oaks National Technical Honor Society Scholarship
$500This scholarship would provide support to help the recipient pay for educational or career-related materials, including, but not limited to, textbooks, coursework, tools, and uniforms. This scholarship is open to Diamond Oaks Students in a workforce development program qualifying for graduation and a member of NTHS.
Eligibility: Member of Diamond Oaks NTHS
Essay prompt: Using at least one of the core values of the National Technical Honor Society, describe in less than 500 words, how that value has contributed to your success at Diamond Oaks and how it will help you in your future endeavors. The core values are: skill, honesty, service, responsibility, scholarship, citizenship, and leadership.
-
Laurel Oaks Evergreen Scholarship
$3,000The Laurel Oaks Evergreen Scholarship is awarded to one graduating senior from Laurel Oaks who has excelled in their career-tech lab and academic courses, and also demonstrates financial need. This scholarship is funded by the Great Oaks Education Foundation, which works to remove barriers in education and career advancement.
Essay prompt: You will always be part of Great Oaks, and many hands helped to guide you and make your education possible. In the future, how will you lend your hands to help guide future generations?
Harper Jane Zuefle Memorial Scholarship
$1,000The Harper Jane Zuefle Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a Laurel Oaks senior. Harper was a young student at the Acorn Center who was tragically killed. The recipient of this special honor not only meets high standards in both academic and career skills, but is also an individual who “lights up a room” just as Harper’s presence always did.
Eligibility: Student with an IEP/504 plan
Essay prompt: “If you could change one thing to make the world a better place, what would it be?” Think about things you would change. Think about reasons you would change them. Choose one thing to change and tell your readers several reasons why it is the most important thing to change to make the world a better place. Remember to use specific details to support and explain your reasons. Use interesting adjectives and descriptions to make your essay interesting to read.
Referral Network of Central Ohio Scholarship
$500At the Referral Network of Central Ohio, we do more than just grow our businesses—we give back. We are proud to support the next generation of skilled professionals through our partnership with Great Oaks. We believe that technical education empowers individuals to build better lives and stronger communities. To support this mission, we offer grants to students completing their education at the Laurel Oaks Career Campus. Whether you need to invest in essential tools for your trade or want to further your education, we are here to help you succeed.
Essay prompt: I believe that a skilled labor force is important to my community because…
-
O.A.K.S (Outstanding Achievement Through Knowledge and Service) Scholarship
$3,000The O.A.K.S. Scholarship is awarded to one graduating senior from Live Oaks who has excelled in their career-tech lab and academic courses, and also demonstrates financial need. O.A.K.S. stands for Outstanding Achievement Through Knowledge and Service. This scholarship is funded by the Great Oaks Education Foundation, which works to remove barriers in education and career advancement.
Essay prompt: You will always be part of Great Oaks, and many hands helped to guide you and make your education possible. In the future, how will you lend your hands to help guide future generations?
Live Oaks Digital Arts & Design Grant
$750 – Two to be awardedThe Live Oaks Digital Arts and Design Grant is awarded to two Live Oaks Digital Arts and Design seniors in order to assist them with their educational goals and/or for a purchase that will assist them in their field. This grant will be awarded based on a piece of artwork and a 500-word essay that explains the piece of artwork.
Eligibility: Live Oaks DAAD student
Essay prompt: Applicant will submit a piece of artwork that represents themselves or an event they have gone through that has impacted their life. They will submit an essay that explains their artwork submission.
-
Scarlet Oaks Crimson Scholarship
$3,000The Scarlet Oaks Crimson Scholarship is awarded to one graduating senior from Scarlet Oaks who has excelled in their career-tech lab and academic courses, and also demonstrates financial need. This scholarship is funded by the Great Oaks Education Foundation, which works to remove barriers in education and career advancement.
Essay prompt: You will always be part of Great Oaks, and many hands helped to guide you and make your education possible. In the future, how will you lend your hands to help guide future generations?
James Hulick Memorial Scholarship
$1,000The James Hulick Memorial Scholarship is given to a Scarlet Oaks student by the family of James Hulick. James was a Scarlet Oaks mechanics student in the 1970s and passed away during his senior year. This scholarship may be used towards tools for the field or for continuing their education.
Eligibility: Scarlet Oaks students enrolled in a transportation program
Essay prompt: Describe how you have demonstrated leadership ability both in and out of school. Be sure to discuss a special attribute or accomplishment that sets you apart from your peers. Elaborate on your most meaningful achievement and how they relate to your field of study.
Rotary Club of Northeast Cincinnati Success Grand
$500 – Five to be awardedThe Rotary Club of Northeast Cincinnati will be awarding five $500 grants to Scarlet Oaks Seniors. These grants can be used to help prepare for your next steps in life, whether it is buying tools or completing a certificate to start your trade, or furthering your education.
Essay prompt: The Rotary Club of Northeast Cincinnati is a network of leaders who come together to support youth education, fight poverty, and make a positive impact on those they serve at home and worldwide. We offer a Success Grant as a way to make that positive impact on those we serve at home, in this case, students who have completed their high school education but need assistance with their next step forward. Please share how this grant will help you fulfill your career goals as you move forward in your life.
-
Satellite Success Scholarship
$3,000The Satellites Success Scholarship is awarded to one graduating senior enrolled in a Great Oaks Satellite program who has excelled in their career-tech program and academic courses, and also demonstrates financial need. This scholarship is funded by the Great Oaks Education Foundation, which works to remove barriers in education and career advancement.
Essay prompt: You will always be part of Great Oaks, and many hands helped to guide you and make your education possible. In the future, how will you lend your hands to help guide future generations?
-
Burchy Schulte Memorial Scholarship
$500The Burchy Schulte Memorial Scholarship Fund is awarded to a Reading High School senior enrolled in a Great Oaks campus program. Burchy himself was a Reading graduate, as were both of his children and both of his grandchildren. This scholarship was created to honor Burchy's legacy of lifelong service to education and his community. In particular, he believed that Career & Technical Education helped to forge successful career pathways and improved people’s lives. His decades of volunteer service and leadership on the Great Oaks Career Campuses Board of Directors and Great Oaks Education Foundation are a testament to that belief. Burchy woke up every day with a smile on his face and approached the world, wondering, "What can I do today that will help make someone else's day better"?
Eligibility: Demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism
Essay prompt: Describe your work ethic and how it contributes to improving your life, building character, and helping others. How does volunteerism enrich one's life and the life of one's community?