Diploma to Work Initiative

In an effort to attract and retain a more highly trained workforce within the State of Ohio, the Foundation has developed the "Diploma to Work" initiative which requires scholarship recipients to work within the state of Ohio for a period of no fewer than four years (upon graduation from college).

We believe this joint venture with governmental/business leaders, student and their families will strengthen Ohio by providing a stronger skilled workforce who will help broaden the tax base which in turn will ultimately lead to an improved quality of life for all Ohioans.

The Diploma to Work Initiative is designed to operate as follows:

• Upon securing their Associates Degree or Certificate, the scholarship recipient must work within their field of study in the state of Ohio for a period of four years.
  
  
• The Foundation will require routine contact with the recipients over this time period to ensure ensure compliance.
  
  
• Scholarship recipients who leave the state for work, withdrawal from college and make no provisions to return to college within a period of one year, or fail to maintain a C+ average, will be required to repay the amount awarded.
  
  
• Said repayment amount will be added to the following year’s award total to ensure more Ohioans benefit.

The Foundation strongly believes that the "Diploma to Work" initiative will work as a "bond" requirement that is similar to other successful programs that require work in specified fields before or after the scholarships are awarded. Such programs find success in the teaching, medical fields as well as military service.

The Foundation is developing additional initiatives including those to better prepare our scholarship recipients for the demands of tomorrow's workforce through our "Corporate Ohio Mentoring Program" and "Employ Ohio Initiative." Both are scheduled to launch in 2008.