Literacy coalition offers scholarships to graduating seniors

The Tuscarawas County Literacy Coalition is accepting applications for two $500 scholarships for graduating high school seniors.

Two one-time awards of $500 each will be granted. Applicants must be graduating seniors who either live in Tuscarawas County, attend a Tuscarawas County high school, or participate in a county-based homeschooling network.

Scholarship funds may be used toward a certificate program, associate degree or bachelor’s degree at any accredited postsecondary institution.

Application requirements

Applicants must submit:

A completed Tuscarawas County Literacy Coalition scholarship application. Applications are available through school guidance counselor offices or at tuscliteracy.org/scholarship.

A typed essay of 300 to 500 words answering the question: “How have you or how would you improve literacy in your community?”

Two letters of recommendation, including one from a teacher and one from another adult such as a club or group adviser, another teacher or a school official.

Applications are due March 1. Materials may be mailed to Tuscarawas County Literacy Coalition, P.O. Box 1173, New Philadelphia, OH 44663, and must be postmarked by March 1, or emailed to TuscarawasLiteracy@gmail.com with the subject line “TCLC Scholarship Submission.”

Selection and notification

Scholarship recipients will be selected using a rubric that evaluates essay content, academic and extracurricular involvement, and community service. Winners will be notified in mid-April. Scholarship checks will be sent directly to the recipient’s chosen college or university after enrollment is confirmed.

Scholarship background

The scholarship was established in memory of Keith Rathbun, a former TCLC board member, longtime literacy advocate and respected leader in local journalism. Rathbun served as publisher of The Budget newspaper in Sugarcreek and as president of the Ohio Newspaper Association, promoting literacy and community engagement throughout his career.