The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges

05/12/2026

Last weekend, Kristina crossed the graduation stage through her own hard work, with OFIC scholarship support helping along the way.

Kristina Schilt, a very recent graduate of Capital University, earned her degree in accounting and is an OFIC scholarship recipient. As a first-generation college student, she worked two jobs while completing her studies.

Balancing work and coursework often left little time to focus on school.
An OFIC scholarship helped ease financial pressure, allowing her to reduce work hours, stay focused on her degree, and use her final year to prepare for graduation, apply for jobs, and build professional connections.

Kristina’s story reflects how donor support makes persistence possible and helps students turn effort into achievement because what you start, they continue.

Full story: https://www.ofic.org/meet-kristina

05/05/2026

One opportunity can change everything.

This past year, Jalesha Goss completed her degree at Ohio Dominican University while balancing life as a Marine Corps veteran, mother of two, and student.

After losing the grandmother who raised her and facing serious health challenges, she returned to school while working and raising her daughters.

An OFIC scholarship funded by WesBanco helped ease financial pressure and gave her the space to stay focused and keep going.

Her story reflects how donor-supported scholarships are creating real stability for students across Ohio, because what you start, they continue.

Full story: https://www.ofic.org/meet-jalesha

04/29/2026

Last summer, Aidan Callahan worked directly with youth athletes at First Tee - Canton , an organization that builds confidence, character, and life skills through sport, as part of OFIC’s Non-Profit Internship Program.

The experience was made possible through funding from Employers Health and guided by Scott Life, Executive Director at First Tee Canton.

Aidan is also an OFIC Ohio Scholars Program scholarship recipient.

His experience highlights how donor-supported scholarships and internships are opening real pathways for students across Ohio, because what you start, they continue.

Full story: https://www.ofic.org/meet-aidan

02/26/2026

Hands-On Impact: OFIC’s 2026 Non-Profit Summer Internship Program offers paid summer opportunities for students at our member campuses, connecting them with Ohio non-profits where they can gain real-world experience and make a meaningful difference.

With generous support from The Nord Family Foundation and Employers Health, students work in areas like youth mentorship, civic engagement, and community development—building skills, confidence, and a strong foundation for their future.

Learn more and view the open internships:

Paid Summer Internships Connect Ohio College Students with Community Non-profits