Lila M. Van Sweringen Student Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Educational Office Professionals of Ohio

The EOPO scholarship, named in honor of its co-founder Mrs. Van Sweringen, is open to all Ohio students who are enrolled in Ohio high schools and plan to attend a post-secondary institution following their high school graduation.

WHO CAN APPLY: All residents of Ohio who are currently attending high schools or colleges in the state and plan to enroll in a post-secondary institution for the 2024-2025 academic year are eligible to apply. The scholarship is specifically designed for those who aspire to pursue a career related to office work.

Mrs. Van Sweringen played a pivotal role in establishing EOPO, a professional organization dedicated to the professional development of all educational office personnel in Ohio, especially office support staff. EOPO does not function as a bargaining unit and does not engage in negotiations with any educational system. Its primary objective is to foster the professional growth of all individuals employed as office personnel in educational organizations across Ohio.

SCHOLARSHIP VALUE: The scholarship is valued at one thousand dollars ($1,000.00). Additionally, EOPO scholarship recipients may qualify for an extra scholarship at the national level, sponsored by the National Association of Educational Office Professionals.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants must fill out the attached scholarship application form and send it along with the Application Checklist, three recommendation forms/letters, and high school (and college, if applicable) transcripts to the specified address by January 10, 2025. The application form can be typed or filled out electronically, available on our website www.eopooh.org. The applicant is responsible for ensuring the completion and submission of all necessary supporting materials, including recommendation forms/letters (on official letterhead) and official transcripts. Failure to provide all required information and materials by the deadline will lead to disqualification.

RECOMMENDATION LETTERS: Applicants must provide three (3) recommendation forms/letters. Two of these should be from school personnel (such as a principal, counselor, or business teacher), and the third can be from any non-family member of the applicant's choosing. These letters should be returned to the applicant to be included with the application materials.

ALTERNATE SELECTION: An alternate will be chosen in case the primary winner is unable to utilize the scholarship.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD: The scholarship recipient will be notified via email and phone. The scholarship will be presented at the Awards Ceremony during the EOPO Annual Conference. If the conference does not take place, the scholarship will be mailed to the recipient's home address upon verification.

FUND DISBURSEMENT: The Educational Office Professionals of Ohio (EOPO) will manage the disbursement of the scholarship funds upon receiving official confirmation of the recipient's enrollment in a higher education institution.