The Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (ORSC) announces the availability of the TG Public Benefit Award for the 2008-09 academic year. ORSC will award a minimum of twenty five $2,000 awards. The awards are designed to promote the rentention of students with disabilities at institutions of higher education in Ohio.

Eligible Applicants

• Eligible applicants are students who have open postsecondary training cases with ORSC. Applicants may be either BVR or BSVI consumers.
• The award is open to consumers who are currently enrolled in any class status at a postsecondary institution and who will be pursuing a postsecondary education in the next twelve months. Applicants may be attending a proprietary school, vocational school, technical school, community college or four year college or university. Students must be attending a postsecondary institution in Ohio.
• Eligible applicants must have a minimum 2.8 cumulative grade point average.

Guidelines

• Awards will be considered as MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS as defined by ORSC's policies on postsecondary training. Awards may be used for educational expenses as defined by ORSC (tuition, books, and supplies). If all of a consumer's educational expenses are covered by other awards, the award may be used for other education-related expenses such as room and board.
• Award money will be paid directly to the postsecondary institution. Award monies will be paid on behalf of awardees only upon the reciept and verification of awardees' actual enrollment in the postsecondary institution.
• Awards are for one academic year only. If the TG Public Benefit Grant Award is available again next year, awardees will be required to apply again.

Application Requirements

• Completed application form.
• Copy of academic transcripts. Unofficial copies are acceptable.
• One page essay which addresses two areas: (1) the applicant's career goals (2) how the applicant has had to deal with his/her disability in the college setting.
• One letter of reference from a college instructor or staff member who is familiar with the applicant's academic work, work ethic, or work in extracurricular activities. Limit reference letters to one page.

Application for TG Public Benefit Award

• TG Public Benefit Application
• Applications are also available at the Office of Accessibility

Completed applications will include (1) Application Form, (2) Transcripts, (3) One page personal essay, (4) One page reference letter.

Applications will be accepted by postal mail, via e-mail, or by fax. Applicant is responsible for ensuring the application package is complete. DEADLINE: APPLICATIONS TO BE POSTMARKED IS MAY 1, 2008.

Mike Kinney
Rehabilitation Program Specialist for Transition and College Resources Coordinator
Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission
400 E. Campus View Blvd. Suite 150
Columbus, OH 43235-4604

Fax number (614)985-9824

Include the application form, transcripts, personal essay, and reference letters as attachments and send to: Michael.Kinney@rsc.state.oh.us.