FAO opens 2026 scholarships through Feb. 15; adds nursing, social work fund

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio announced Jan. 14 that its 2026 scholarship application cycle is open, giving students across the foundation’s 32-county service region access to more than 50 scholarship funds through Sunday, Feb. 15. The most notable addition this year is the Area Agency on Aging Region 9 Scholarship, created to support residents pursuing a registered nurse or a licensed social worker degree at a college or university within FAO’s service area, a move with direct implications for Holmes County’s healthcare pipeline.

FAO’s expanded scholarship portfolio is aimed at lowering financial barriers for local students who might otherwise leave the region for training or forego postsecondary education. By tying the new Region 9 fund specifically to RN and licensed social work programs, the foundation is targeting two occupations central to rural health and long-term care. For Holmes County, where workforce shortages and access to health services are perennial concerns, the scholarship could improve retention of locally trained caregivers and strengthen staffing at nursing homes, home health agencies, and community clinics.

Applicants must follow FAO’s established eligibility rules and submit applications through the foundation’s scholarship portal. The application window remains open until Feb. 15; students who miss that deadline will be ineligible for the 2026 awards. FAO directs applicants and community partners to its website for detailed eligibility criteria and the online application. For questions, the foundation can be reached by email at info@ffao.org or by phone using the number listed on its website.

Beyond immediate financial aid, FAO’s scholarships serve as a lever for broader community planning. Local leaders and service providers can use the fund’s emphasis on nursing and social work as a prompt to coordinate internships, clinical placements, and employer partnerships that help scholarship recipients transition into local jobs. For county officials and healthcare employers, the scholarship represents a potential resource to align training with local needs, but it will require active outreach to ensure students learn about and apply for the funds.

The application cycle also underscores the role of regional philanthropy in filling gaps that public programs may not fully address. For residents weighing the cost of college against pulling local shifts to support families or farms, FAO’s scholarships provide an option to pursue professional credentials while maintaining community ties.

For Holmes County students planning college this year, the immediate step is straightforward: review FAO’s scholarship portal for eligibility and apply by Feb. 15. For local institutions and employers, the next task is to connect with FAO and Area Agency on Aging partners to translate awards into lasting workforce gains for the county.