Scholarships

Below are the scholarships offered through Southern State Community College. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Note: All scholarships are contingent on funding availability.

Summer

Attention high school seniors! Check out our Super Start Scholarship and attend summer semester with up to 6 hours of free tuition.

• Super Start Scholarship
• Designed to offer high school seniors the opportunity to accelerate their college goals by taking up to six credits tuition free during the summer semester immediately following the completion of their high school career. The scholarship is non-transferrable, can only be used during the summer semester and does not pay for fees, books or course materials. Requirements: restricted to graduating high school seniors with minimum 2.75 GPA. Deadline: May 1
• Application

Academic

• Academic Excellence Trustee Scholarship
• Granted by the Board of Trustees of Southern State to service area high school graduate from the graduating class preceding Fall semester who is enrolled at Southern State Community College. All awards will be pro-rated if enrolled less than full time. Requirements: have a minimum high school GPA of 3.50, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 for a second-year renewal. Annual maximum award: $3,000

• College Credit Plus Trustee Scholarship
• Granted by the Board of Trustees of Southern State to high school graduates from the graduating class preceding Fall semester who enroll full-time at Southern State and have successfully completed at least one College Credit Plus class offered through Southern State while in high school. Requirements: minimum grade point average 2.5, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for a second year renewal. Annual maximum award: $1500
• Application

• PTK Member Trustee Scholarship
• Granted by the Board of Trustees of Southern State to members of Southern State's Alpha Omicron Eta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. Requirements: must be a current SSCC student and PTK Member who is actively engaged in the Alpha Omicron Eta chapter, and must contributes to personal and chapter growth in at least one of the PTK Hallmark Pillars of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and or Fellowship.
• Application

Adult

• Adult Incentive Scholarship
• With this scholarship, a student has the opportunity to receive one free class between one and four credit hours (SSCC course fees, lab fees, and books are not included). The student must apply for admission to SSCC, and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (www.fafsa.gov). Eligibility for the Pell Grant will be determined and the scholarship will pay up to the cost of tuition after the Pell Grant has been applied to the student's account. Requirements: must not have been enrolled in high school or college credit courses for at least five years, must not have earned a Bachelor's or higher degree.
• Application

• Trustee GED Scholarship
• This scholarship is offered to any student who completes and passes the GED test and has never attended a post-secondary institution. It must be used within one year of receipt of GED and is for tuition of one class up to three credit hours. Deadline: June 20
• Apply Online

• Trustee GED Honors Scholarship
• This $500 scholarship is offered to the person with the highest GED score in each county. It is non-renewable. Deadline: June 20
• Apply Online

Departmental

Granted by the Board of Trustees of Southern State Community College to encourage students to pursue their academic careers. Applicants may be interviewed and recommended by department faculty advisors. Academic requirements: have a minimum 3.00 GPA. These scholarships are not automatically renewable.

Students who have completed coursework or are enrolled in related courses can apply for the following department scholarships:

• Business Department Trustee Scholarship
• Computer Science Department Trustee Scholarship
• Early Childhood Education Department Trustee Scholarship
• Engineering Department Trustee Scholarship
• Human Services Department Trustee Scholarship
• Math & Science Department Trustee Scholarship
• Medical Assisting Department Trustee Scholarship
• Nursing Department Trustee Scholarship
• Performing Arts Department Trustee Scholarship
• Visual Arts Department Trustee Scholarship

Below are the scholarships offered through the Southern State Foundation. If you have any questions, please Contact the Foundation.

• Alice Mae Smith Adams County Scholarship
• The purpose of the Alice Mae Smith Adams County Scholarship Fund is to financially support deserving students from Adams County in their pursuit of higher education at SSCC. Alice Mae Smith was a lifelong resident of Adams County and spent her entire career working for the National Bank of Adams County. An art enthusiast and admirer of artist, James (Skip) Werline, longtime resident artist and faculty member at Southern State, Ms. Smith stayed connected to the College through his work. Requirements: Resident of Adams County, have a minimum GPA of 2.75. Applicants can be full-time or part-time students, and students pursuing visual arts, business or accounting career paths, or demonstrating art appreciation are encouraged. Priority is given to full-time students, and those demonstrating financial need. A brief essay on their connection to Ms. Smith's legacy as it relates to art, business or philanthropy is required.
• Apply Online

• Appalachian Gateway Fund
• The purpose of this fund is to benefit students with a focus in the arts from Brown County. Requirements: Resident of Brown County with a focus in the arts.
• Apply Online

• Bagshaw Enterprises Scholarship
• In 1971, Bob & Anne Bagshaw founded Team Bagshaw with a Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise. Since that time Team Bagshaw expanded restaurant brands to include Taco Bell, Long John Silvers and A&W, and over a 47-year journey, grew to over 20 restaurants throughout Ohio and Northern Kentucky. In December 2018, Team Bagshaw said good-bye to the franchise world and transitioned ownership of all their Restaurants to KBP Foods. Bagshaw Enterprises has invested scholarship dollars to assist Southern State students employed by Team Bagshaw with the cost of education. Requirements: Enrolled full-time at SSCC, have a minimum GPA of 2.6.
• Apply Online

• Bennett Family Memorial Scholarship
• This $1,000 scholarship is designated to honor the late Steven Bennett of Fayette County, a young victim of cancer. This fund has been established to continue Steve's legacy of helping others. Requirements: Must be a resident of Fayette County and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Apply Online

• Bill Horne Memorial Scholarship
• This $500 scholarship is designed to honor the late Bill Horne, who faithfully served Southern State Community College for over 25 years. He was consistently recognized for his outstanding instruction, academic leadership, dedication, and service by both students and colleagues. Requirements: Must be a returning Southern State student who epitomizes the spirit of the College and Bill Horne, and have a minimum GPA of 2.0. Must be a residence of Adams, Brown, Clinton, Fayette or Highland County, and preference will be given to students with multiple barriers and pursuing a degree in the field of Business, not based on financial need. Award will be presented at the President's annual graduation dinner. The student will be chosen by SSCC Faculty.

• Cassner Family Foundation Scholarship
• There will be two scholarships of $3,000 distributed over the academic school year to applicants entering Southern State for the first time. Requirements: Must be enrolled full-time at SSCC (first year student), has demonstrated financial need, and must maintain a GPA of 2.75 to continue receiving the scholarship throughout the academic year. Preference is given to graduates and residents of Highland County. This scholarship is renewable for a second year, requiring that the student remain full-time and continue to maintain a GPA of 2.75.
• Apply Online

• Cindy Igo Memorial Scholarship
• This scholarship is designated in honor of the late Cindy Cowne Igo, Administrative Assistant. Before becoming a member of the Southern State staff, Cindy was a student at SSCC. At age 43, Cindy passed away from breast cancer. While fighting her illness, she carried out her professional duties and also taught as an adjunct faculty member. She was an inspiration to all that met her. This scholarship is reserved for current SSCC students enrolled in the Office Information Technology or Business Management programs. Requirements: A returning student with a minimum GPA of 2.5, enrolled in the Office Information Technology or Business Management program.
• Apply Online

• City of Washington Court House Police Department Scholarship
• The Washington Court House Police Department offers this $750 scholarship with the hope of providing an educational opportunity to a Southern State student from Fayette County. Requirements: Must have a minimum GPA of 2.6, be a resident of Fayette County, a recent graduating senior of Washington Senior High School or Miami Trace High School, and write a short essay demonstrating good leadership qualities, community involvement, and academic excellence.
• Apply Online

• Clarence and Fae Rhoades/Robert B. and Dorothy R. Shanks Scholarship
• This $1,000 scholarship is designated to honor the late Dorothy R. Shanks, her husband Robert, and her parents, Clarence and Faye Rhoades. It was Dorothy's desire that this scholarship help to financially support deserving Highland County students, enrolled at Southern State Community College. The Shanks families have been described as quiet, but very active and dedicated to their community. Robert B. Shanks' enthusiastic leadership, advice and friendship was an inspiration to the youth in Highland County. Requirements: Must be a resident of Highland County.
• Apply Online

• Colonel Charles J. Pommert Memorial Scholarship
• Family and friends of the late Colonel Charles J. Pommert, USAR-RET, have endowed a scholarship in his memory. Colonel Pommert, a 1955 graduate of McClain High, was an honor student and a multiple sport athlete. Continuing his education, he attended Ohio State University College of Dentistry and graduated in 1962. He practiced dentistry in Greenfield until retiring in 1998. Colonel Pommert served in the US Army as a dentist on both active and reserve duty for over 35 years. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal while serving in Vietnam in 1968. Requirements: Must be a graduate of Greenfield McClain High School, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and have been active in community service and athletics while in school.
• Apply Online

• Darrell and Catherine C. Hottle Nursing Scholarship
• Judge Darrell and Catherine Hottle provided scholarship assistance to nursing students for many years. After Judge Hottle's death, his wife Catherine wanted to continue providing scholarships through an endowment, established in 2002. Mrs. Hottle was a nurse and very active in supporting SSCC nursing programs. She passed away in 2011. Requirements: Resident of Brown, Clinton, Fayette, or Highland Counties with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students must be accepted into the Southern State Nursing or Licensed Practical Nursing programs.
• Apply Online

• Deputy Charles A. Taylor Memorial Scholarship
• In memory of Deputy Charles A. Taylor (1926-2004) his wife, Mrs. Woneta (Olaker) Taylor (1928-2013) established a scholarship fund aimed at helping deserving law enforcement students earn a college education. Requirements: Applicant must be a resident of Fayette County, and majoring in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice.
• Apply Online

• Don & Ann Fender Scholarship
• Don and Ann created this endowment to assist students of Southern State from Adams, Brown and Highland Counties in obtaining an education. Requirements: Must be a resident of Adams, Brown or Highland County, enrolled part-time or full-time at Southern State, have a minimum GPA of 2.6 and be pursuing a higher level education in any health related field leading to a certificate, an associate or baccalaureate degree benefits from this endowed fund. Preference is given to applicants who are hoping for employment at Highland District Hospital.
• Apply Online

• Douglas R. & Dr. Susan Seipelt Family Scholarship
• Doug and Susan created this endowment in hopes of providing a brighter future for community members through education. The Seipelt family's commitment to education has a longstanding history and it is their wish that the tradition continue. Through this endowment, Doug and Susan hope to provide others with the same opportunities their family has been afforded through the pursuit of lifelong learning. Requirements: Must have a minimum GPA of 2.6, be a resident of Adams, Brown or Highland County, be enrolled part-time or full-time at Southern State, and write a short essay demonstrating consistent leadership qualities and how they have exhibited responsibility to self, family, school and community.
• Apply Online

• Dr. Lawrence & Gale Dukes Scholarship
• Dr. Lawrence N. Dukes served as the president of Southern State from 1995 to 2007, a period of growth in students, programs and facilities. His wife, Gale, was also very active and supportive of the college during his tenure. The fund was established upon his retirement to honor their service to the College and its communities. The scholarship funds generated from the endowment are used to support students from the College's service area. Requirements: Must be a resident of Adams, Brown, Clinton, Fayette or Highland County, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be enrolled either part-time or full-time at Southern State, and write a short essay explaining their involvement (past or present) in community service.
• Apply Online

• Dr. Sherry and Michael Stout Fund
• Dr. Sherry Stout served as the fourth president of Southern State from 2007 - 2009. The fund was established upon her retirement to honor her service to the College and its communities. The scholarship funds are designed to support non-traditional, female students who demonstrate personal accountability and show promise for community leadership. Requirements: Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA. Preference is given to non-traditional, female student who demonstrates personal accountability and shows promise for community leadership.
• Apply Online

• Dylan Philip Wilson and Nathan Paeltz Memorial Scholarship
• This fund was established in 2006 in memory of Dylan Philip Wilson, a 1993 graduate of Georgetown High School and former SSCC student athlete. The scholarship was designed to offer financial assistance to graduates from Eastern Brown High School, Ripley Union Lewis Huntington High School and Georgetown High School who are attending Southern State Community College. In 2014, the fund was modified to include Nathan Paeltz, Dylan's long-time childhood friend and fellow Georgetown High School graduate. Today, the fund serves to honor both of these young men. Requirements: Must be a graduate of Eastern Brown High School, Ripley Union Lewis Huntington High School or Georgetown High School and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to current graduates.
• Apply Online

• Edward K. Daniels Memorial Scholarship
• This $500 scholarship is designed to honor the legacy of the late Edward K. Daniels, long-time educator and drama professor, and his lifelong devotion to broadening students' horizons and his commitment to positively impacting their lives. Requirements: Must be a returning Southern State drama student, completing at least 6 hours per term, and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Apply Online

• Elizabeth White Memorial Scholarship
• At the time of her passing, Elizabeth was a student at SSCC's South Campus. She had an impact on many, whether it was through her artwork, the students she tutored in math, or those she assisted with her generous giving. Requirements: Recipient should be a deserving student with great financial need in paying for college. Preference is given to students with and interest in art and/or from Brown County.
• Apply Online

• Eugene Worthington Memorial / Brown County Rural Water Scholarship
• The Eugene Worthington Brown County Rural Water Association Endowment Fund was established to offer a $1,000 scholarship to family members of Brown County Rural Water Association employees, who are from Brown County. Eugene (Gene) Worthington, described as a visionary, a leader, and a dreamer, gave a tremendous gift to Brown County. Through determination and courage, he was able to bring his dream to fruition when he sold the first water tap in March 1972, eventually reaching his goal of bringing water to every Brown County household, transforming the community. Requirements: Must have a family member who is a Brown County Rural Water Association employee, and must be a resident of Brown County.
• Apply Online

• Foundation Scholars (General Scholarship Fund)
• The Southern State Community College Foundation exists for the advancement of students enrolled at Southern State. Contributions are made by individuals and organizations who have recognized the necessity of an educated citizenry. Requirements: Must be a resident of Adams, Brown, Clinton, Fayette, Highland and contiguous counties in Ohio, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Apply Online

• Highland County Fund
• This fund was created from the generous anonymous donations of a Highland County resident. There are to be no restrictions on the scholarships awarded, financial need or otherwise, other than that the funds go to deserving students seeking knowledge that reside in Highland County. Requirement: Resident of Highland County.
• Apply Online

• Hillcrest Foundation Fund
• The proceeds of this fund shall be used to support and fund education and training for students of the College interested in careers in the renewable energy industry and related engineering fields. The recipient or recipients of foundation funds used for scholarships shall be recognized as a "Hillcrest Scholar" or "Hillcrest Scholars". Requirements: Interested in careers in the renewable energy industry and related engineering fields.
• Apply Online

• Hillsboro Elks Scholarship
• This $1,000 scholarship is for students who demonstrate financial need and display an interest in community service. Requirements: Must be a resident of Highland County. Must maintain a GPA of 2.5 to receive the award throughout the school year, as well as write a short essay describing involvement in community service and current financial need.
• Apply Online

• Jason Sharrett Memorial Scholarship
• Jason Sharrett taught history as an adjunct instructor at SSCC for many years, and at the time of his unexpected passing, he was also working in a full-time capacity as Distance Education Support Specialist at the College, coaching other faculty on designing and delivering premier online coursework using a learning management system. This fund was set up to keep his legacy alive. Jason was a talented young man with many interests and passions. He loved music, Japanese culture, sports (especially watching Ohio State and the Baltimore Ravens), history, learning, reading, gaming, Star Trek, Southern State, and above all, he loved his children and his family. Requirements: This scholarship will be awarded to a student who best exemplifies qualities such as a spirit of life-long learning, diverse hobbies, history, music, theatre and a love for education, answering a prompt in essay form.
• Apply Online

• Joyce Fender Family Scholarship
• Joyce Magee Fender was an innovator in the world of business and an inspiration to many who knew her. On April 1, 1990, Fender founded Classic Real Estate Company which became an immediate success in the southern Ohio area. The personal relationships Fender made with clients and her tremendous hard work was a big part of her success. This scholarship fund, created in her memory, will provide a $2,000 scholarship to a qualified applicant. Requirements: Must be a single mother, have a minimum GPA of 2.6, be a resident of Highland County, be enrolled in Southern State and pursuing a business major, preferably in real estate. Must also write a short essay explaining current financial need.
• Apply Online

• Julia Barthel Memorial Art Scholarship
• Family and friends of the late Julia Barthel established an art scholarship in her memory. Julia attended Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky and finished her degree in art at Wilmington College in Ohio. She continued to take art classes at Southern State and belonged to The Leesburg Brush and Palette Guild and the Appalachian Artisan Guild. Art was her passion in life. This award is for SSCC Brown County students focusing on art classes, specifically watercolors and pastels of flowers, painted landscapes and still life. Requirements: Brown County student focusing on art classes.
• Apply Online

• Katie Bailey Memorial Scholarship
• The purpose of the Katie Bailey Memorial Scholarship is to help SSCC students pursuing a certificate or degree in the Medical Assistant program.Requirements: Pursuing a certificate in Medical Assistant Technology or a degree in Medical Assisting.
• Apply Online

• Moerlein Family Foundation Scholarship
• This fund is designated for students from the Greater Cincinnati area in good academic standing, with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
• Apply Online

• NCB Minority Excellence Scholarship
• The purpose of this fund is to financially support deserving students of color attending Southern State Community College majoring in Accounting, Business, Computer Technology or taking general education courses with the long-term goal of obtaining a bachelor's degree in a similar field. The fund has been established to demonstrate NCB's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the southern Ohio region and support the pursuit of education for all people. Awards are granted based on minority status and financial need. Defined students of color are students who self-identify as Black, Mexican American, Latinx, Asian, Native American, and/or a mix of the aforementioned racial identities.
• Apply Online

• Paul Neff Memorial Scholarship
• Established to honor the late Paul Neff, this scholarship was designed to provide funds to qualified students assisting them toward the completion of education in chemical dependency at Southern State. Two $500 scholarships will be awarded to one freshman and one sophomore who are from Adams or Brown County. Requirements: Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.6 to continue receiving the scholarship throughout the academic year. Must also be a resident of Adams or Brown County, a freshman or sophomore, and be majoring in the Human and Social Services Chemical Dependency program at Southern State.
• Apply Online

• Randall Massie Scholarship
• This scholarship is designed to honor Randall Massie, an outstanding Southern State faculty member and friend to many. Requirements: Recipient must be a second-year student attending Southern State Community College, majoring in Human and Social Services and should maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Priority will be given to those demonstrating financial need. Award will be presented at the President's annual graduation dinner. The student will be chosen by SSCC Faculty.

• Robert A. & Dorothy Hodson Scholarship
• Robert and Dorothy Hodson have established this endowed fund for the purpose of fulfilling a vision to make life better through education. The Hodsons want to leave a portion of their success in their Highland County community so that their children and grandchildren, as well as other families, can benefit from an educated society with strong leaders. Requirements: Scholarships will be awarded to one freshman and one sophomore who are from Highland County. Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, be enrolled part-time or full-time at Southern State, and write a short essay describing demonstrated leadership qualities, community involvement and academic excellence.
• Apply Online

• Samuel Ladrach Memorial Scholarship
• This $500 scholarship is designed to honor the late Dr. Samuel Ladrach, former Southern State Psychology professor, who promoted endeavors that positively impacted students, as well as the College. Requirements: This scholarship is restricted to an outstanding student who epitomizes the spirit of the College and Dr. Samuel N. Ladrach. Award will be presented at the President's annual graduation dinner. The student will be chosen by SSCC Faculty.

• Sara M. Barrere Memorial Trust Scholarship
• Lifelong philanthropist and generous donor to SSCC and other Highland County organizations for years before her death, Sara (Sally) Barrere loved to read and loved to travel. She thoughtfully considered her experience with health care providers as she battled Parkinson's disease late in life. She was often assisted either in home or hospitals by Southern State-trained nurses. Upon her death, she generously established a trust to help Southern State students further their education. Requirements: GPA of at least 3.0 and a short essay demonstrating how they have exhibited responsibility to self, family, school and community, as well as qualities of honesty, dependability, punctuality, perseverance and loyalty.
• Apply Online

• Sizemore/Green Family Memorial Scholarship
• The Sizemore/Green Family Memorial Scholarship was designed to honor several late members of the Sizemore and Green families. Requirements: Applicants must be a resident of Brown County. Preference is given to students who are employed at a job while taking classes to further their education, and are at least 21 years of age.
• Apply Online

• Storer Family Scholarship
• This scholarship fund was created in memory of Don and Ken Storer's mother, Minnie Mae Storer. Don (Chemistry faculty), his wife Becky (retired Education faculty), and Ken (retired Biology faculty) have over 60 years combined service at Southern State. During Minnie Mae's stay at Highland District Hospital in 2005, the family was moved by the outstanding care provided by the nurses, the majority of whom were graduates of Southern State and former students of Don and Ken. Through this scholarship, the Storer family seeks to provide financial assistance to outstanding nursing students. Requirements: Must be enrolled part-time or full-time at Southern State and be a second-year student majoring in Nursing. Must be a resident of Highland County, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Apply Online

• William F. Thoroman Memorial Scholarship
• Family and friends of William F. Thoroman have endowed a scholarship in his memory. Bill was a friend of the College and served on the Southern State Foundation Board. After Bill retired from the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, he started working for Southern State as the Corrections Program Assistant and helped establish the program at the Correction Reception Center in Orient. Bill was proud of his association with the College and encouraged both high school students and adults to enroll for classes. Requirements: Must be enrolled full-time at Southern State, and majoring in Corrections or Law Enforcement. Preference is given to a returning member of the SSCC soccer team.
• Apply Online

• State Grants and Scholarships
• The State of Ohio offers a number of grant and scholarship programs to students at Ohio public colleges and universities. The funds awarded from these programs are generally restricted to tuition so directly lower students' out-of-pocket education costs.
• OhioHigherEd State Grants & Scholarships

• Second Chance Grant
• The Ohio Department of Education's (ODHE) Second Chance Grant Program is a $3,000 (effective Fall 2023 semester) grant available to disenrolled students wishing to renew their pursuit of a college degree by re-enrolling at a qualifying institution, such as Southern State Community College.
• The one-time grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to students who stopped out of (withdrew from) a qualifying institution of higher education in Ohio and who meet the required criteria. For more information on eligibility go to highered.ohio.gov/initiatives/affordability/second-chance.
• Interested applicants should contact SSCC Student Success Center to meet with an advisor and discuss enrollment prior to submitting a completed Second Chance Grant Application.
• Applications are not being accepted at this time.

• Short-Term Certification Scholarship Application
• In partnership with the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE), this scholarship is being offered to support students who exhibit financial need and are enrolled in a less than one-year program (or less than 900 clock hours) leading to a credential or certification that is considered in-demand or industry recognized. This scholarship pays for tuition only and can be awarded in conjunction with federal need-based financial aid for degree programs.
• Application

The following national scholarship search sites to help you find additional financial aid.

• **NEW** SME Education Foundation
• Find scholarships for students pursuing two-year or four-year degrees in manufacturing or engineering. View the SME Scholarships Overview
• collegeboard.org
• Find scholarships, other financial aid and internships from more than 2,200 programs.
• fastweb.com
• Create a profile to find scholarships that match your needs.
• gocollege.com
• Discover types of scholarships, scholarship providers, where to search for scholarships and winning scholarship strategies.
• studentscholarships.org
• Find scholarships, bursaries and grants that match your profile and find career and salary information.