At the November, 2012 OSPA Fall Conference, we conducted the traditional Scholarship Raffle. Publishers, regions, and university trainers donated significant and interesting items, which resulted in great interest on the part of the attendees.

Member interest and commitment to the Valorie Wolcott Mendelson OSPA Scholarship resulted in a very successful raffle generating $7039.00 – the largest amount ever. I can simply say “Thank you ever so much”. With this addition our balance at The Columbus Foundation now approaches $57,000, well on our way to being able to provide two $2,000 scholarships each year, hopefully by 2016.

During the conference we awarded our first $2,000 scholarship to our fifth recipient, Diahna Davis, a second year student at Cleveland State University. This awarding is the culmination of much hard work and generosity on the part of OSPA members and was given with great pride. Students and faculty members report that the scholarship is such a help and time has shown that our recipients are such outstanding, deserving young professionals.

Scholarship Funding:
The Ohio School Psychologist Association $2,000 annual scholarship is funded primarily by the Fall Conference Raffle and individual or regional donations throughout the year. In addition, capital gains from our stock portfolio invested and managed by The Columbus Foundation increase our balance, but these are also susceptible to market downturns.

The uncertainty of our sources of revenue elevates the importance of contributions made by individuals or regional associations. Especially in light of increasing tuition costs, not only is the awarding of this scholarship an honor and a great addition to one’s vitae, but assists with a second year student’s expenses prior to the internship year.

If you or regional association chooses to make a contribution to the OSPA Scholarship Fund, checks should be made out to The Columbus Foundation with a notation that it is for the Valorie Wolcott Mendelson OSPA Scholarship. That will avail you a tax credit document for individuals, and if applicable, to your regional association as well. Please send to the address listed below to the attention of Diane Higginbotham, our liaison.

Diane Higginbotham
Scholarship Manager
The Columbus Foundation
1234 East Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43205-1453
Phone: 614/251-4000 Fax: 614/251-4010
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First Year Students Application Information:
Scholarship applications are sent to the University training sites by March 1. They are also available on this website and in the spring TOSP (journal). Interested first year students should submit applications by the deadline of June 1, 2013. The selection committee meets during the summer and the money is deposited at the winner’s bursar’s office prior to the start of the fall semester of their second year of training.

If you know someone who you believe is a worthy candidate, please encourage him or her to apply.

Again, I express my most heartfelt gratitude for your support over the years, and for the enthusiasm and generosity which so many have displayed. Together we made this happen.

Forms:
Scholarship Guidelines - 2013
Scholarship Application - 2013

Valorie Wolcott Mendelson
OSPA Scholarship Chair
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