The Otsego Community Foundation (OCF) scholarship application opens up online today, February 2nd. We are excited to announce there are a few big changes, including two new scholarships, as well as a substantial increase in one of the existing awards.
New funds include The Class of 2007 Fund and the Captain John Nicholson Fund. The Class of 2007 Fund was established by a group of classmates and will be awarded to a GHS senior who embodies the characteristics that are important to the Class of 2007: school spirit, hard work, and inclusivity. The Captain John Nicholson Fund was started by Captain John Nicholson as a tribute to his Johannesburg-Lewiston education that proved to be a solid foundation in his life. The Fund will be awarded to a Johannesburg-Lewiston graduate with big dreams.
The Treetops Scholarship Fund has awarded nearly $50,000 in scholarships in the last three years in $1,000 increments. This year the fund will increase the amount to $2,500, making it the largest scholarship under the OCF umbrella. Ten Otsego County students pursuing higher education at either vocational or academic institutes will be selected. Preference is given to students who have or are overcoming some kind of adversity, students who are interested in the hospitality field, and those with relatives who are or have been employees of Treetops Resort.We are proud of the 47 young adults that we’ve helped since starting this scholarship in 2018. As we reflected on the impact that this $47,000 has had, we pondered ways in which we might be able to make a bigger impact in the future. Increasing the dollar amount per scholarship will help us achieve our goals.
“We are proud of the 47 young adults that we’ve helped since starting this scholarship in 2018. As we reflected on the impact that this $47,000 has had, we pondered ways in which we might be able to make a bigger impact in the future. Increasing the dollar amount per scholarship will help us achieve our goals.” stated Kevin McKinley, Treetops Resort Assistant General Manager.
“Treetops is a community leader when it comes to corporate giving”, said Dana Bensinger, OCF executive director. “Giving back is really part of their culture and it is very encouraging to see them not only giving back but also inquiring how they can make tweaks to do more good.”
This year, there are a total of sixteen different scholarships available, all with unique purposes determined by the donor at the time the fund was established. To view a full list of scholarship opportunities and complete the online application process, visit https://www.otsegofoundation.org/apply/scholarships/. The application deadline is March 11.