Scholarships & Endowments

Scholarships are a form of gift aid that typically does not have to be repaid. Funds are awarded based on a number of different criteria including achievement, financial need, hobbies, college major, political involvement or participation in athletics.

Not all scholarships require completion of the FAFSA. This means that they are awarded based on some criteria other than demonstrated financial need. Additionally, scholarship donors recognize outside factors may occasionally have a negative effect on a student's academic progress. Thus, not all scholarships consider a student's grade point average as a final determination of eligibility. Most scholarship applications require an essay, which allows students the opportunity to explain why they deserve to receive the scholarship.

The Edison State Scholarship Application is your ticket to applying for 4+ campus-based scholarships. The 2025–2026 Edison State Scholarship Application will be available beginning November 1, 2024 and the deadline for submission is March 1, 2025.

Mary Rebecca Allen Memorial Scholarship
The Mary Rebecca Allen Memorial Scholarship is a lasting tribute established by her son, Thomas Allen. She was a Trustee of Edison State Community College.

Greg and Alissa Blankenship Scholarship
Full-time students majoring in Engineering Technology, Industrial Management or Fine Arts. Recipient must be a U.S. citizen.

Lester and Cleon Bowers Scholarship
Their legacy began on a sunny Saturday in May 1950 on the Studebaker farm near New Carlisle, Ohio. The bride was Cleon Studebaker, who had recently graduated from Purdue University and returned home to work at Wright Patterson in Dietetics and Management. The groom was Lester Bowers, who had recently returned home as well. Lester returned following graduation from Ohio State University and prior to that, serving in the Navy during World War II. Clean and Lester both grew up on farms in Bethel Township, and while they were familiar with each other since childhood, they didn’t truly get to know one another until they both returned home. Cleon, reared with priorities of giving of oneself, treating others with integrity, and possessing a strong work ethic, recognized the same values in Lester. Both believed in the value of a solid education in which students could prepare to work to the best of their ability in supporting themselves and giving back to others. In the late 1950’s, the Bowers bought a farm in the Miami East School District where they raised four children: Sid, Todd, Keith and Ann (McKenzie). A sense of pride in their community interwoven with making the most of educational opportunities along the way were among the priorities with their family. Lester, whose degree was in animal science, worked full-time at Dinner Bell Foods as a buyer in addition to managing the family farm. He also served on the Miami East School Board for many years and was a trustee for Brukner Nature Center. Cleon devoted herself to being a full-time homemaker but was also involved in community activities such as being a 4-H advisor, judge at the Miami County Fair and a part-time consultant in the dietetics field. Both also filled various roles in their local church over the years. The Lester and Cleon Bowers Scholarship was established in 2021 to support an Edison State Agriculture or Veterinary Technician student. The couple enjoyed more than 58 years of marriage before Lester’s passing in 2009. Today, those who know Cleon would agree that she still imbues the ideologies for which their scholarship stands. These priorities, paramount to this couple, continue to play a valuable role in the lives of those students who have been encouraged and supported through their legacy. Looking back to that sunny day in May 1950, that’s just the way Lester and Cleon would have wanted it.

Sheryl Brinley Memorial Scholarship
The Sheryl Brinley Memorial Scholarship was established by members of the Business and Professional Women's Association located in Darke County. Sheryl's commitment to the club and its philosophy inspired them to establish a scholarship in her memory for a female adult student from Darke County studying business.

Kathy Clifton Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship acknowledges the commitment and dedication of Kathy Clifton, a long-time professor of more than 30 years, teaching well over 1,000 hours in her educational career at ESCC. In 2016, she received the Lifetime Faculty Achievement Award from Edison state. She also led the Study Abroad Program where she traveled to Egypt, France and England. Many other accolades were awarded over the years to this remarkable woman.

Darke County Scholarship
This scholarship is designed for Darke County residents. Preference is given to those taking classes at the Edison State at Greenville location.

Donnelly Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to students who are residents of Darke County with special preference given to those who are taking classes at the Edison State at Greenville location.

Edison State "Drive for Scholarships" Scholarship
The Edison Foundation "Drive for Scholarships" annual golf scramble originated in 2019 with a simple golf tee, golf ball and golf club, and it’s been a ‘driving force’ ever since. This annual fundraiser raises thousands of dollars for Edison State student scholarships.

Jean M. Dugan Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship memorializes a dedicated and committed wife, mother and advocate for those individuals who sometimes were the downtrodden in life. Jean was a 1979 graduate of Edison State Community College with an Associate of Arts Degree; graduate of Wright State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, as well as a Master’s Degree in Nursing. She worked for years as a psychiatric nurse, counselor and social worker. She served as Director of Catholic Social Services in Sidney, Ohio for many years and served on the Board of the Miami County Mental Health Association, the Suicide Prevention Board and the Domestic Violence Prevention Program. She also worked as a mediator for the Shelby County Courts. This scholarship has been established by daughters Deborah and Pamela. The recipient of this scholarship can be either a full- or part-time student and a resident of Miami, Montgomery, Shelby, Auglaize, Mercer or Darke Counties.

John J. Dugan Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established by Jean M. Dugan in memory of her husband who served as a Miami County Commissioner from 2000 to his passing on November 1, 2003. His wife, Jean, was also instrumental in putting together the organization that raised funds for and eventually opened the John J. Dugan Infusion Center at the Upper Valley Cancer Care Center in Troy, Ohio. The recipient must be a resident of Miami County, pursuing a degree in history, political science, pre-law or government.

Edison State "Illuminate the Future" Community Scholarship
Based on the generous donations from our area businesses, organizations and individuals, the Edison State Foundation awards this scholarship to both full-time and part-time students who demonstrate academic achievement.

Edison State "Illuminate the Future" Employee Scholarship
This scholarship is made possible by Edison State Community College employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students attending the College each year. Awards are given to both full-time and part-time students.

The Edison Foundation/James P. Humphrey Sidney-Shelby County Black Achievers Supplemental Scholarship
This is a matching scholarship between The Edison Foundation and the James P. Humphrey Sidney-Shelby County Black Achievers Scholarship. It was designed to provide financial incentives to black youth of Sidney-Shelby County to begin or continue their college education, assist financially needy African American youth who might not otherwise be able to continue their education, and recognize and reward Sidney and Shelby County African American students who have demonstrated academic success. This scholarship honors the memory of James P. Humphrey, Sidney’s first black mayor. To be eligible to receive this scholarship, a student must be a high school senior who attends a Shelby County school or the Upper Valley Career Center, is a resident of Shelby County and has a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and/or have a significantly improved academic record.

The Edison Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by The Edison Foundation and is awarded to full- or part-time students majoring in any program of study.

Harry Faulkner Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is in memory of Harry Faulkner, a life-long resident of Sidney. His love of community, service, learning and the law permeated every aspect of his life. He was a 1959 Sidney High School graduate and proudly attended Ohio Wesleyan University and Ohio Northern University Law School. He practiced law with Faulkner, Garmhausen, Keister and Shenk for 52 years. Harry was energized by serving others in Sidney and Shelby County organizations, including the United Way, YMCA, Dorothy Love Retirement Community, Chamber of Commerce, Salvation Army, Sidney City Schools and the Amos Memorial Public Library. His leadership roles with the West Ohio Development Council and Community Improvement Corporation of Sidney and Shelby County positively impacted the business climate, attracted companies to develop and increased economic growth in the area. He loved being a board member for Peoples Federal Savings and Loan and cherished its history. Harry championed education and was proud to represent Ohio Wesleyan University on numerous boards and committees while encouraging prospective students to enroll. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta, as a college student and an alumni advisor. His work with The Edison Foundation was especially significant as he was a Board of Directors member. Harry’s contributions to these organizations and universities were recognized with lifetime achievement, community service and other special awards, including the Chamber of Commerce Zenith Award, Sidney High School Hall of Honor, Shelby County Bar Association Award of Merit and The Terry M. Thomas Friend of Community Colleges Award. His loyalty, leadership and kindness made a lasting impression on so many and will be forever remembered.

Freed and Bollenbacher Scholarship
The Freed and Bollenbacher Scholarship Fund is a tribute to the educational influence of Frederick (Fred) Freed and Richard (Dick) Bollenbacher. This scholarship is awarded annually and was established by Fred’s children and Dick’s stepchildren, Aaron Freed and Leah Freed Baumhauer and other family members and friends. Fred was a graduate of Springfield High School and served in the United States Army. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Chicago and his Law Degree from the University of Michigan Law School. Fred practiced law in Piqua for 40 years. In the early years of his career, Fred became an outspoken advocate for bringing higher education opportunities to Miami, Shelby and Darke counties. He knew the impact education and training would have on individuals, families and the community. Appointed Vice Chairman of the founding Edison State Board of Directors, Fred was instrumental in the creation of Edison State. He played a crucial role in the victorious lawsuit against the Board of Regents, which ultimately resulted in the formation of the College. In addition to serving on the Board of Edison State, Fred served on the Tri-County Board of Mental Health, Main Street Piqua and the Piqua Library Board. Fred passed away January 21, 2021. His desire to help students pursue education goals lives on and is shared by his son Aaron (Jennifer) Freed, daughter Leah (Jonny) Baumhauer, grandchildren Lauren Freed, Ethan Freed, Sam Baumhauer and Annabelle Baumbauer and former wife Barb (Richard Bollenbacher).

Dick Bollenbacher graduated from Van Wert High School in 1961. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Bluffton College in 1965, his Master’s Degree in English from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona in 1970, and Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Dayton in 2000. In 1966, Dick began his teaching career, teaching English at Houston High School, Houston, Ohio. From 1967–1976, he taught English at Casa Grande, Arizona, and was President of the Casa Grande Education Association. Dick taught the GED program part-time on the Pima Indian Reservation in Sagaton, Arizona from 1968–1976, under the Federal Model Cities Program. In 1976, Dick moved back to Ohio, and began teaching at Edison State. From 1976–2010, he taught English, Humanities, Abnormal Psychology, Technical Writing, Developmental English and served as a Career Counselor and Disabilities Coordinator. He also served as President of the Edison State Education Association. Dick is a member of the National Education Association and was on staff in the early 1960’s at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. He served on the Miami County Family Abuse Board and was a volunteer for the Miami County Chapter of the American Red Cross, helping people through a variety of challenging times, including people impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Dick is married to Barbara Freed Bollenbacher and has two sons, Steve Bollenbacher and Jason Bollenbacher, and two stepchildren, Aaron Freed and Leah Baumhauer. He also has four grandchildren, Lauren Freed, Ethan Freed, Sam Baumhauer and Annabelle Baumhauer.

Gene Haas Scholarship for CNC
The Edison Foundation has partnered with The Gene Haas Foundation to award scholarships to CNC students. This scholarship will pay for tuition, books, and fees for the MFG 234 class.

Floyd Hanes Jr. and Grace Simmering Hanes Memorial Scholarship
The Floyd Jr. and Grace Simmering Hanes Scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to Edison State students who are planning to study Agriculture or Veterinary Science. Floyd Jr. and Grace grew up in rural southern Ohio. After serving in the Navy during WWII, Floyd Jr. married Grace and eventually purchased and managed a small farm in Preble County. Endeavors on the farm were centered around their five children’s interests including rabbits, chickens, hogs, cattle (beef and dairy), sheep and horses along with crops, including corn, soybeans and alfalfa. One of their fondest memories included camping and showing sheep at the Ohio State Fair. This scholarship is awarded to a student who is enrolled in the Agricultural or Veterinary Science program, full- or part-time. A Preble County student is preferred.

Holly Hahn Memorial Scholarship
The Holly Hahn Memorial Scholarship was made possible by the gifts of family, friends and former students. The scholarship celebrates her life of dedication to helping students succeed, particularly those for whom English is a second language.

Health Care Hero Scholarship
Inspired by the recent COVID pandemic, this scholarship was established by an anonymous donor to help a student enrolled in the Nursing program, either full- or part-time.

Anne Hudelson Memorial Scholarship
Anne spent over 20 years as a professor in the Office Systems Administration Department of Edison State. Her high standards produced students with the skills and professionalism that enabled them to secure great employment opportunities. This gracious lady maintained a wonderful rapport with her students while, at the same time, upholding the integrity of her program. The recipient of this scholarship must be enrolled in an administrative certificate or medical coding certificate program, either full- or part-time.

D. Douglas King Memorial Scholarship
The D. Douglas King Memorial Scholarship was established by his mother, Marjorie L. King, a long-time resident of Darke County, Ohio. Marjorie King established this trust upon her death to provide full tuition to graduates of Ansonia High School to attend Edison State Community College.

Ray and Bettye Laughlin Scholarship
The Ray and Bettye Laughlin Scholarship is available to full- or part-time students who are residents of Darke County. The donor has the option of designating an eligible program of study on a yearly basis.

William M. McCulloch Memorial Scholarship
The William M. McCulloch Memorial Scholarship was established by his family in honor of his notable contributions to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and to his belief in the importance of education for the betterment of all.

Miami County FOP Memorial Scholarship
The Miami County F.O.P. Memorial Scholarship was established to honor members of the Miami County Fraternal Order of Police for youth in Miami County interested in the criminal justice field.

Miami County Republican Women's Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a female student from Miami County with special preference given to those majoring in political science, law or government.

Miami County Voiture 40 et 8 Scholarship
The Miami County Voiture 420, Forty et Eight Society of the American Legion, awards this scholarship to a second-year nursing student. Applicants must be residents of Miami County. Selection is based on financial need and scholastic achievement.

Miami Valley Wounded Veterans Scholarship
The recipient of this scholarship must be a resident of Miami County and must be a veteran. Recipient can also be an immediate family member, such as a spouse or child.

Vince Miller Family Scholarship
The Edison Foundation is honored to announce the establishment of the Vince Miller Family Scholarship. This legacy fund will continue to celebrate the life of Vince Miller, who passed away on October 30, 2022. Vince and his wife Bonnie created this scholarship fund to help ensure the support and future success of Edison State students. Vince always had a passion for education and enjoyed exploring the world of science. After being raised in Troy, Ohio, he attended two universities to study engineering—The University of Cincinnati for his undergraduate degree and The Ohio State University, where he earned his master’s degree. All who knew him can recall his great enthusiasm for anything Buckeye-related. Vince’s diligent academic work led him to become an aeronautical engineer at the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, where he had an admirable 36-year career. In 1980, Vince’s became an adjunct faculty member at Edison State teaching mathematic courses. Vince was an extremely devoted faculty member who not only connected with students in the classroom, but also volunteered his time for numerous events and committees to champion the mission of the college. He was also an active member of The Edison Foundation Board until his passing. Vince was very dedicated to his family. When daughters Angela and Sara were young, he participated as a coach for various sporting teams and spent time supporting the Wayne Music Club. Contributing to good causes was part of Vince’s fabric so he also dedicated much of his time to the Miami Valley Veterans Museum in Troy, Ohio. Vince also served as a treasurer and member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Dayton Section. Additionally, he ushered at The Ohio State University football games for 20 years. Vince’s friends and colleagues at Edison State will always treasure his positive spirit, generosity, commitment and unwavering kindness. Through this scholarship, The Edison Foundation will continue what Vince valued—giving to others to make a positive impact.

Myers-Vaccaro Engineering Scholarship
The Myers-Vaccaro Scholarship in Engineering is given by two dedicated Edison State faculty members in loving memory of their fathers, Clarence H. Myers, a civil engineer and Charles A. Vaccaro, an electrical engineer.

Kathy Oda Memorial Scholarship
The Kathy Oda Memorial Scholarship is in memory of Kathy Oda who created the College's first library in 1973, which was then called Edison State General and Technical College and was located in the former Spring Street School building. The scholarship is awarded to a female student who has been out of the workforce and is a resident of Piqua, Ohio.

William Hart Pitsenbarger Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship honors Piqua native Airman First Class William H. Pitsenbarger. He distinguished himself by extreme valor on April 11, 1966 near Cam My, Republic of Vietnam. While assigned as a Pararescue Crew Member, Detachment 6, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Airman Pitsenbarger was aboard a rescue helicopter responding to a call for evacuation of casualties incurred in an on-going firefight between elements of the United States Army’s 1st Infantry Division and a sizable enemy force approximately 35 miles east of Saigon. With complete disregard for personal safety, Airman Pitsenbarger volunteered to ride a hoist more than a hundred feet through the jungle, to the ground. On the ground, he organized and coordinated rescue efforts, cared for the wounded, prepared casualties for evacuation and insured that the recovery operation continued in a smooth and orderly fashion. Through his personal efforts, the evacuation of the wounded was greatly expedited. As each of the nine casualties evacuated that day were recovered, Pitsenbarger refused evacuation in order to get one more wounded soldier to safety. After several pick-ups, one of the two rescue helicopters involved in the evacuation was struck by heavy enemy ground fire and was forced to leave the scene for an emergency landing. Airman Pitsenbarger stayed behind on the ground to perform medical duties. Shortly thereafter, the area came under sniper and mortar fire. During a subsequent attempt to evacuate the site, American forces came under heavy assault by a large Viet Cong force. When the enemy launched the assault, the evacuation was called off and Airman Pitsenbarger took up arms with the besieged infantrymen. He courageously resisted the enemy, braving intense gunfire to gather and distribute vital ammunition to American defenders. As the battle raged on, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to care for the wounded, pull them out of the line of fire and return fire whenever he could, during which time, he was wounded three times. Despite his wounds, he valiantly fought on, simultaneously treating as many wounded as possible. In the vicious fighting which followed, the American forces suffered 80 percent casualties as their perimeter was breached and Airman Pitsenbarger was finally fatally wounded. Airman Pitsenbarger exposed himself to almost certain death by staying on the ground and perished while saving the lives of wounded infantryman. His bravery and determination exemplify the highest professional standards and traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Air Force. The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, on December 8, 2000, awarded in the name of the Congress the Medal of Honor posthumously. William H. Pitsenbarger has also been remembered throughout the country at Air Force bases with facilities such as dining halls, training centers and dormitories named in his honor. In 2019, the movie “The Last Full Measure” documented the legacy of William H. Pitsenbarger.

Preble County Youth Foundation
The Preble County Youth Foundation Scholarship is awarded to full- or part-time students who are residents of Preble County. This scholarship is for students who will be attending Edison State in any program of study.

Raval Family Edison Scholarship
The Raval Family Education Scholarship has been made possible through the generous effort and support of Dr. Yagnesh Raval, in honor of his family. This scholarship is focused on the continuous expansion of STEMM education opportunities for residents of Miami County attending Edison State Community College.

Charles E. Ridenour Memorial Scholarship
The Charles E. Ridenour Memorial Scholarship was established by his sister, Eileen Leasure. Mr. Ridenour was a teacher of welding and enjoyed his previous interaction with Edison State students. She wanted to that spirit of learning to continue after his death.

Roberta Rogers Memorial Scholarship
This Roberta Rogers Memorial Scholarship has been established by Roberta’s family in her memory and to honor her education at Edison State Community College. She graduated with an Associate of Applied Business degree in 1985.

Shelby County Manufacturing Pathway Scholarship
This scholarship is offered in partnership with The Edison Foundation, Fastlane and the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) to support students who are committed to a manufacturing pathway at Edison State Community College. This scholarship is open to recent high school graduates of Shelby County and current Edison State students residing in Shelby County.

Summer Advantage Scholarship
The Summer Advantage Scholarship provides a $250 or $500 scholarship to students enrolled in summer courses. Students must be in good academic standing with at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and must have completed at least 67% of all classes attempted at Edison State. Scholarship may be applied toward tuition and fees only. Students receiving any Edison State tuition waivers are not eligible to apply. The amount of scholarship awarded is based on the number of credit hours enrolled in during the Summer semester. Three (3) credit hour enrollment is eligible for a $250 award. Six (6) credit hour enrollment is eligible for $500.

Thomas and Patricia Robinson Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a full- or part-time student taking a minimum of six (6) credit hours.

Tri-County Trust Scholarship
Through the leadership of G. W. Hartzell, the Tri-County Education Trust was established at the same time as the College in 1973. The initial fundraising effort in area communities created a capital fund, which has been the basis of scholarships and grant-in-aid awards since 1976.

Troy Lions Club Scholarship
This scholarship is sponsored by the Troy Lions Club and is awarded to a Miami County resident who is a graduating senior ranking in the top 25% of his or her graduating class and who is attending Edison State full- or part-time. Preference is given to a student who is involved in community service beyond school-sponsored programs and has an interest in vision professions, namely ophthalmology and optometry.

Vaccaro-Myers Scholarship
This scholarship has been established in memory of Anne Vaccaro—a professor of Art and Theatre at Edison State from 1995–2015. Vaccaro established the Campus Art Gallery which highlights visiting art collections and was instrumental in rejuvenating the Edison Stagelight Players, a student and community theatre company, as well as other outstanding accomplishments. She was loved by her students for her gentle teaching style, encouragement and friendship. Anne passed away on October 10, 2017.

Samuel E. Valandingham Memorial Scholarship
The Samuel E. Valandingham Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of this Piqua High School graduate with an interest in architectural drawing.

Fred Verceles Memorial Scholarship
From an early age, Fred Verceles’ had a love for learning. As a boy, he treasured books from the local library. School advisers recognized that his family was too poor to send him to college so they put him in non-college prep classes like art and music, where he excelled. Verceles dropped out of high school his senior year to join the Marine Corps, during which time he completed his GED and subsequently discovered community colleges. He was not sure that he was smart enough to attend college but he signed up for classes and began to earn credits one course at a time. At roughly the same time that he was sent to Vietnam, he was notified that he qualified for the Boot Strap Program, which allowed him attend college, full-time for an eighteen month period, to complete his bachelor's degree—fully paid by the military. Verceles completed his master’s degree on weekends through the G.I. Bill. When he retired from military service, he applied to teach at Edison State Community College. He started as an adjunct instructor and retired fifteen years later as an associate professor. While at Edison State, he focused on two things outside of the classroom. He visited workplaces in the tri-county area where he taught managerial skills and encouraged workers to further their education. He also served as a new student advisor where he encouraged prospective students to think about attaining an associate degree—telling them about how he started his education at community colleges. Verceles continued advising for almost ten years after his retirement. Reflecting on the financial assistance that he had received—he wanted to pay it forward by establishing a scholarship in his name. Doing this was the last item on his “to do” list before his passing in July of 2020.

Susie Wise Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship has been established by Susie Wise, form Edison State Professor of Nursing, for students enrolled in the Edison State Nursing program.

Kenneth A. Yowell Emeritus Scholarship
The Kenneth A. Yowell Emeritus Scholarship, named after Edison State's third president, is awarded to a first-generation student from Darke, Miami or Shelby County. Student should be in a a degree-seeking program. Award is post-financial aid assistance and can be used for tuition, fees and books.