Scholarships available through The Defiance Area Foundation:

Ann Melton Memorial Teacher Scholarship Fund 

Ann was a beautiful soul who poured her heart and soul into teaching for 37 years.  She helped to shape the lives of countless students within the Defiance School System where she inspired students to exceed their own expectations.  Ann instilled in her students a belief in their own abilities and passion for success.  Her dedication and enthusiasm made her a beloved teacher, and her students flourished under her guidance.  In honor and memory of Ann’s contribution to lifelong learning and education, The Ann Melton Memorial Teacher Scholarship Fund has been established through The Defiance Area Foundation to benefit education majors at Defiance High School.  Ann had the following attributes and we are hopeful that the applicant will also possess many of these traits:  Love for children, deep-rooted faith, passion for fitness and active lifestyle, devoted community advocate, loving spirit and strength, a positive attitude, and enthusiasm and passion for helping children learn.

Eligible Applicants:
   – Will graduate from Defiance High School
   – Must have achieved at least a B average in High School
   – Intend to graduate from College with a Bachelor’s Degree
   – Must be a K-12 education major
   – Preference will be given to qualified students who have the greatest financial need.
   – Click here for the PDF application

Applications should be mailed to Defiance Area Foundation, 613 West Third St., Defiance, OH. 43512. Applications will be accepted with a postmark no later than March 31. Applications can also be emailed to dani@defianceareafoundation.org by the deadline. APPLY NOW 

Audrey Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was created by Brooklyn Graber, a 2020 Hicksville High School graduate, to honor Audrey Davis. Many people contributed to make this scholarship possible. Audrey Davis graduated from Hicksville High School in 2015 and was known for her positive attitude, her unique spirit, and her zest for life. Audrey passed away unexpectedly in December of 2018, but her memory will always live on. The purpose of this scholarship is to help a current Hicksville High School senior attend college in remembrance of Audrey while honoring her many outstanding and remarkable qualities. This scholarship award is $1,000 annually.

To apply for this scholarship, you must be a Hicksville student, and be member of, or have participated in one (or more) of the following for a total of four years:
   – Cheerleading
   – National Honor Society
   – Drama Productions

This application must be typed and submitted to Mandy Wyman at wymanm@hicksvilleschools.org with a copy of a college acceptance letter, an official transcript, a letter of recommendation, and an essay that is no longer than two pages. APPLY NOW

Ayersville Education Foundation Scholarship Funds

Funded through the Derge, Leuthold, McCord, McKibben, and Stevens Funds. Please contact Sara Sublett at ssublett@ayersvillepilots.org for more information.

Ayersville Athletic Boosters Scholarship Fund

Please contact Sara Sublett at ssublett@ayersvillepilots.org for more information.

 Cody Rahe Scholarship Fund

Cody Rahe was a man that often put the needs of others before his own. This is how he became a Varsity Assistant Softball Coach at Fremont Ross High School. His wife, Megan, needed help and he volunteered. Cody gave 100% of himself to support his wife and support the athletes in the softball program in a positive fashion. Megan has established this fund to provide a financial opportunity to softball athletes that exhibit this attitude of selflessness/giving and plan to continue their education and/or training beyond high school. Scholarship amounts will vary based on fund availability and will be made payable directly to the college, university, institution or school of their choice. Preference will be given to qualified students who have the greatest financial need.

Eligible Applicants:

   – Will graduate from Fremont Ross High School
   – Are members of the Fremont Ross High School Softball Program
   – Have exhibited leadership qualities and an attitude that places a priority on the success of others.
   – Intend to graduate/complete a secondary program beyond High School

Applications should be mailed to Defiance Area Foundation, 613 West Third St., Defiance, OH. 43512. Applications will be accepted with a postmark no later than March 31. Applications can also be emailed to dani@defianceareafoundation.org by the deadline. APPLY NOW

Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce (DACC) Scholarship Fund:

This fund was established by Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc. who realizes the importance of higher education. This non-renewable scholarship is awarded annually to be used for post-secondary education by providing a scholarship to eligible persons who will attend a qualified educational institution (all accredited institutions). The amount will be determined annually based on the fund balance and investment return. The scholarship will be payable directly to the college or university of the student’s choice. Eligible applicants include all chamber members in good standing, member’s employees, employee’s spouse, and employee’s dependents who are accepted at an accredited university or college pursuing a degree, certification or license. Contact The Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at marketing@defiancechamber.com.

Applications should be received no later than March 31 to the Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce office located at 400 Clinton St., Defiance, OH 43512.
Applications can be mailed or submitted in person to the Chamber Office or may be emailed to marketing@defiancechamber.com. APPLY NOW

Defiance City Schools Scholarship Funds

Henkle, Kauser, Marshall, Shirey, Nixon scholarships available. Contact Thom Singer at tsinger@defianceschools.net for more information.

Defiance High School Girls Tennis Scholarship Fund:

Greg and Helen Reineke established this fund to promote girls tennis at Defiance High School and to provide financial to further their education in a field of their choice.  This scholarship will be made payable directly to the college or university.  Preference will be given to qualified students with the greatest financial need.

Eligible Applicants:
   – Participated in the sport of girls tennis a minimum of three years, lettering a minimum of two years
   – Achieving a 3.0 or better GPA for their four years of high school

APPLY NOW
Click here for the PDF to complete and mail to: Defiance Area Foundation, 613 West Third St., Defiance, OH. 43512. Applications will be accepted with a postmark no later than March 31. Applications can also be emailed to dani@defianceareafoundation.org by the deadline.

 

Defiance Metal Products Scholarship Fund:

DMP Scholarships are offered annually to employee’s children or dependents.  Scholarships are available to all divisions.  Scholarship awards will be divided equally among all qualified applicants, with the minimum scholarship amount of $100.00. This scholarship is non-renewable.  Eligible applicants include:  have graduated from a public high school or obtained their G.E.D., child or dependent of a DMP employee, and are continuing on as a full-time first year student at an accredited university or college pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Contact Jodie Mohr at Defiance Metal Products for more information at jmohr@defiancemetal.com.

Election Ambassadors Scholarship Fund:

Rod and Tonya Wichman established this fund to reach voters at an early age and educate them on their opportunities. The goal is to encourage more juniors and seniors to work at the polls, get involved in the election process, and provide a better understanding of election systems. The applicant will work with the board of elections during the Primary Election of 2022 by helping with set up, being a poll worker or helping election night with returns as well as assist in student voter registration with an already engaged teacher at their high school. The ambassador will also assist the Board of Elections in recruiting student poll workers.

Eligible Applicants:
   – Junior or Senior from a Public High School in Defiance County
   – Must be in good standing at their high school
   – Intend to graduate from College with a Bachelor’s Degree, Associate’s Degree, or from a Vocational or Trade School

Applications should be mailed to Tonya Wichman at 1690 Woodhurst Dr. Defiance OH. 43512. Applications will be accepted with a postmark no later than September 15. 
APPLY NOW

Erica J. Strausbaugh Scholarship Fund:

The Strausbaugh Family established a scholarship fund in 2018 in memory of their daughter Erica. Erica graduated from Tinora High School in 1997. She always had an interest and love of baking. In 1998 she attended Culinary Arts School at The Disney Institute and met and became connected with Johnson and Wales University.  This launched her desire to attend that University and she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2001. Tragically, she passed away less than three weeks after her graduation. An award of $1,000 will be awarded annually. There is a $500 renewable scholarship for the second year. This scholarship is awarded annually to a Graduate from High School in Defiance County or Four County Vocational School, age 25 years old or younger, and who intends to graduate with a Degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or Hospitality.

Click here for the PDF to complete and mail to: Defiance Area Foundation, 613 West Third St., Defiance, OH. 43512. Applications will be accepted with a postmark no later than March 31. Applications can also be emailed to dani@defianceareafoundation.org by the deadline.

 

Fairview Football Scholarship Fund:

This fund was established by a group of Fairview Alumni athletic supporters. This non-renewable scholarship is awarded annually for a senior varsity football player that is going on to college. The amount is determined annually based on the fund balance and investment return and payable directly to the college or university of the student’s choice.

Eligible applicants:
   – Senior varsity football player
   – Amount varies
   – Contact lori.polter@centrallocal.org for more information

Fairview Schools Fund:

The Fairview Schools Fund offers several scholarships annually to a senior who will be graduating from Fairview High School.  Criteria include:  GPA, essay, work experience, extracurricular activities, and community service. Contact lori.polter@centrallocal.org for more information.

 

Goller Family Scholarship Fund:

Generations of Goller family members, including siblings Betty Goller Zelent and Dalton Goller, lived in, farmed in, went to school and church in, raised families in, taught in and were married in Ney, Ohio. New generations of their descendants from all corners of the United States have come together to establish this fund to honor their legacy of hard work, community service, family, faith and commitment to education. Our hope is that the beneficiaries of this scholarship will, like our ancestors, use the transformative opportunity of higher education to build lives of meaning and purpose, whether in Defiance County or around our nation and world.

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to one Defiance County resident (graduate of any Defiance County public high school within the past four years), is non-renewable, and will be paid directly to the college or university. Eligible applicants have a deep commitment to learning and academic achievement (GPA 3.0 or above, or letter from guidance counselor if GPA is below 3.0), a solid work ethic, and distinct strength of character.

Eligible Applicants:
   – Graduating this year from any public high school in Defiance County (or has graduated within the past four years)
   – Acceptance and intent to study at an accredited four-year college to obtain a Bachelor’s degree or technical/community college program to obtain an Associate’s degree or licensed professional credential
   – Evidence of academic achievement, either through GPA of 3.0 or above or a letter from your guidance counselor affirming your perseverance and academic engagement if cumulative high school GPA is below 3.0
   – Evidence of strong work ethic and strength of character, such as engagement and leadership in community service and/or faith-based activities; employment after-school and in the summer; employment or work in family business or farm.
   – Click here for the PDF application

Applications should be mailed to Defiance Area Foundation, 613 West Third St., Defiance, OH. 43512. Applications will be accepted with a postmark no later than March 31. Applications can also be emailed to dani@defianceareafoundation.org by the deadline. APPLY NOW  

 

Kurt W. and Mary G. Kampe Scholarship Fund

Kurt W. and Mary G. Kampe established a scholarship in 2023 to encourage students to attend college or a trade school and to provide financial assistance to further their education in a field of their choice.  This $1,000 scholarship will be made payable directly to the trade school, college or university of their choice.  Preference will be given to qualified students who have a financial need.

Eligible Applicants:
   – Will graduate from Defiance High School
   – Have demonstrated financial need
   – Click here for the PDF application

Applications should be mailed to Defiance Area Foundation, 613 West Third St., Defiance, OH. 43512. Applications will be accepted with a postmark no later than March 31. Applications can also be emailed to dani@defianceareafoundation.org by the deadline. APPLY NOW 

Lisa Yoder Scholarship Fund:

Lisa Yoder encouraged higher education. This fund, established through a trust in her name and maintained by the Defiance Area Foundation, is in memory of Lisa. The scholarship will be payable directly to the college or university of the student’s choice. This non-renewable scholarship is awarded annually to applicants who have graduated from a public high school, attended St. Michaels Catholic Church as a member at the time of application, and are continuing on as a full-time first year student at an accredited university or college pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree.  The amount is determined annually based on the fund balance and investment return and payable directly to the college or university of the student’s choice. Contact Dani at The Defiance Area Foundation at (419) 782-3130 or dani@defianceareafoundation.org for more information.

Applications mailed to Lisa R. Yoder Memorial Scholarship Fund, Defiance Area Foundation, 613 West Third Street, Defiance, OH. 43512 will be accepted with a postmark no later than March 31. Completed application and attachments can also be emailed to dani@defianceareafoundation.org before the due date. APPLY NOW

Melton Family First Generation Scholarship Fund:

Terry and Ann Melton established this fund to provide an opportunity for first-generation college students to attend college and to provide financial assistance to further education in a field of their choice.  This $1,000 scholarship will be made payable directly to the college or university of their choice.  Preference will be given to qualified students who have the greatest financial need.

Eligible Applicants:
   – Will graduate from Defiance High School
   – Are the first generation in their family that intends to graduate from college (their biological parents – or adoptive parents, if adopted did not graduate from a four-year college)
   – Must have achieved at least a B average in High School
   – Intend to graduate from College with a Bachelor’s Degree

Application Information: Applications should be mailed to Defiance Area Foundation, 613 West Third St., Defiance, OH. 43512.  Applications will be accepted with a postmark no later than March 31. Applications can also be emailed to dani@defianceareafoundation.org by the deadline. APPLY NOW

The Vetter Memorial Scholarship Fund:

The Defiance Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) established a scholarship fund in memory of Cletus Vetter.  This $1,000 scholarship is meant to bring back into focus the vital necessity and passion for resource conservation by encouraging college-bound students to consider a career in conservation, natural resources, agriculture or a related field.

Eligible applicants:
   – Residents/students of Defiance County seeking a focus or career in conservation, natural resources, agricultural, or a related field.
   – Enrolled as a full-time student at a two-year or four-year accredited college, university or technical school.

The scholarship will be payable directly to the college or university. Return completed application, essay, two letters of recommendation and college/university acceptance notice to dani@defianceareafoundation.org or mail to Defiance Area Foundation, 613 West Third Street, Defiance Ohio 43512 by March 31. APPLY NOW

Virginia Lenhart Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Virginia Vaughn Lenhart Scholarship is a $1000 award to be given to a graduating senior of Defiance High School who strives for academic excellence and is poised to make a positive impact in their future. A beloved educator and lifelong Defiance resident, Virginia Vaughn Lenhart (DHS Class of ‘39) believed dearly in the power and the gift of education. She was proud to receive her college degree in Education from Bowling Green State University and used it to assist others as a teacher and tutor throughout her lifetime. She believed in academic excellence, for which this scholarship is to be awarded.

Eligible Applicants:
   – Defiance High School graduating senior with a GPA of 3.5 or higher in all four years of High School
   – Will graduate near the top 20% (or 10%) of their senior class
   – Intend to graduate from College with a Bachelor’s Degree

Applications should be mailed to Defiance Area Foundation, 613 West Third St., Defiance, OH. 43512. Applications will be accepted with a postmark no later than March 31. Applications can also be emailed to dani@defianceareafoundation.org by the deadline. APPLY NOW 

 

Women’s Giving Circle Scholarship Fund

The Women’s Giving Circle Scholarship Fund was established to provide an opportunity for personal growth for a female in Defiance County to further her education. This scholarship will be a minimum of $1,000 and made payable directly to the college or university of her choice. Preference will be given to qualified students who have the greatest financial need. This scholarship may be renewable for eligible applicants.

Eligible Applicants:
   – Applicant must have graduated from a Defiance County High School or been a resident of Defiance County for two or more years
   – Will attend either The Defiance College or Northwest State Community College
   – Will be a non-traditional female student age 20 or older
   – First preference will be given to a student taking a minimum of six credit hours per semester
   – Any Major is eligible

Applications should be mailed to Defiance Area Foundation, 613 West Third St., Defiance, OH. 43512. Applications will be accepted with a postmark no later than March 31. Applications can also be emailed to dani@defianceareafoundation.org by the deadline. APPLY NOW