Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley offering scholarship
PARKERSBURG — The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley is offering a scholarship for local students who are or will be, within the calendar year, full-time students at an accredited college or university, studying for a degree that relates to working with individuals with cognitive or intellectual disabilities.
Recipients must have graduated from a high school located in: Wood, Wirt, Jackson, Pleasants, or Ritchie counties in West Virginia, or Washington County, Ohio.
Scholarships will be available for up to $1,000. The application deadline is May 1, 2025.
An online application is available at http://thearcmov.org.
“We take pride in backing students who have devoted themselves to assisting individuals of all abilities within our community,” said Michelle Curtis, Executive Director of The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley.
“This scholarship serves as a valuable resource, offering financial support to students pursuing further education in fields related to disability services. Given the substantial demand in West Virginia and the surrounding region, this scholarship can empower students studying areas like Special Education, Physical Therapy, Speech and Language Pathology, Social Work, and Occupational Therapy.
“We want to encourage all local high school and college students to apply and allow us to make an investment in their education,” Curtis said.
“People with disabilities need well-educated advocates, teachers, and service providers who understand their unique needs and will both listen to them and support them in reaching their goals.”
The Arc’s goal is to support individuals with developmental disabilities at all stages of life to reach their full potential.
The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley meets the needs of the youngest community members and their families through the West Virginia Birth to Three Program.
It also supports individuals with varied abilities so they can work and/or learn vocational skills training at the two Arc Thrift Shops (904 Broadway Ave. and 1915 Dudley Ave.).
There are also volunteer opportunities throughout the year as well as employment opportunities during the Inclusive Summer Day Program for people to get experience working with people with disabilities.
The Arc provides meeting rooms for training, education, and socialization, and provides advocacy and support services.
Other areas of education include life skills, healthy eating classes, transition from high school to adulthood, digital literacy as well as how to live more independently.
For more information about the scholarships or other opportunities, call 304-422-3151.