Become a Young Scholar

The Young Scholars Program accepts applications from prospective 8th-grade students annually. Once accepted into the program, Young Scholars benefit from various programming and campus day visits.

• Reside in the state of Ohio and be enrolled in one of the specified public-school districts:
  • Akron Public Schools
  • Canton City Schools Cincinnati Public Schools
  • Cleveland Metropolitan School District
  • Cincinnati Public Schools 
  • Columbus City Schools
  • Dayton Public Schools
  • Lorain City Schools
  • Toledo Public Schools
  • Youngstown City School District
• Be currently enrolled in eighth grade and entering ninth grade
• Qualify as first-generation college students; applicants' parent(s) (biological or adoptive) cannot have earned a bachelor's degree at the time of application
• Have a family income that is at or below the household maximum income guidelines
• Have a strong desire and motivation to enroll in and graduate from a 4-year college or university
• Have earned grades of all or mostly A's (with few B's and C's) in core academic subjects
• Demonstrate good school attendance and positive in-and-out of school behavior; and
• Commit to the successful completion of a college-prep curriculum in high school

*Students with a 3.5 GPA or above are preferred and will be the strongest candidates.

Create an account and apply online using the YSP application portal during the application period.

A complete application includes:

• 7th and 8th-grade report cards
• 7th and 8th-grade attendance records
• Two essay responses (200 to 250 words)
• Submission of proof of income
• Recommendation Form - completed by a counselor, teacher, or principal

Paper applications will be available upon request only.

Public informational meetings and application assistance workshops will be arranged during the application period.

Apply to YSP