
Dear Scholarship Applicant,
The Ohio Lobbying Association (OLA) was founded in 1989 as a professional association representing legislative and executive agency agents who lobby the state of Ohio. The OLA is also a forum to discuss public policy and professional issues related to the practice of lobbying.
Part of the OLA mission is to carry out an effective communication and public education program designed to promote both the public interest and to create a greater understanding of the lobbying profession. We work to maintain a standard of excellence among members of the Association and the work performed by our members. We are proud of our profession and are always looking for new ways to educate the public about the importance of the work we do to positively impact public policy in Ohio.
In 2016, the OLA established the OLA Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides academic scholarships to Ohio college students studying public policy.
The OLA Foundation will grant up to three $2,000 scholarships to deserving students based on strength of essay, academic performance, community service, and extracurricular activities.
Members of the OLA Foundation Scholarship Committee will score each application and the committee retains the right to determine the ultimate number and dollar amount of scholarships to be awarded.
Eligible applicants must be undergraduate public affairs or related major entering their junior or senior year in the fall of 2024. Applicants should be interested in and working toward a career that includes a public policy focus. Other applicants not interested in pursuing work in this arena are welcome to apply, but preference will be given to those who are planning to work in the public policy profession.
The scholarships will be awarded and recipients notified during the 2024/2025 fall semester.
Interested students should complete and submit the following application electronically, no later than 5 pm ET on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
On behalf of the OLA Foundation, we wish you well in your academic studies and your future career. Good luck!
Sincerely,
Melissa Kuhn Wheeler, Chair
OLA Foundation Scholarship Committee