In 2020, Otterbein University awarded its first scholarship in partnership with Folds of Honor. Now, along with Folds of Honor, Otterbein is expanding the program to include not only military families, but families of first responders.

The Otterbein Honoring Service Scholarship for Folds of Honor and Ohio War Orphans recipients demonstrates Otterbein’s commitment to those who serve the nation by providing $19,000 toward an undergraduate degree, renewable for four years. This scholarship is in addition to the $5,000 scholarship provided by Folds of Honor.

“What Otterbein is doing is unbelievable in the size and the scope of what they are providing above and beyond the $5,000 scholarship that Folds provides,” said Scott Alexander, director, Folds of Honor, Central Ohio. “I can’t say thank you enough.”

“It is truly an honor to provide the Otterbein Honoring Service Scholarship to students whose families have sacrificed so much. Supporting these students not only benefits them, but also the inclusive and diverse Otterbein community they will join,” said Otterbein President John Comerford. “This is one small way in which we can contribute to the common good and honor our own institutional values.”

Since its inception in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 44,000 scholarships nationwide totaling nearly $200 million to the spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members. Recently, the program expanded to include America’s first responders, including police, fire-fighters, EMTs and paramedics.

According to Folds of Honor, there are nearly 2 million first responders in the United States who respond to approximately 240 million calls made each year. Every time they respond to one of these calls, they are putting their life on the line. In 2021 alone, 135 fire-fighters perished while on duty in the U.S.

The scholarship is available to any undergraduate student who is a recipient of the Folds of Honor Higher Education Scholarship and/or the Ohio War Orphan & Severely Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship who has not completed a bachelor’s degree, whether they are applying as a new first-time first year student or a transfer student, starting with students who enroll in spring of 2021 and later.

“Otterbein is committed to serving families of veterans and first responders and acknowledge their service to our nation and their communities. We see their potential and desire to continue their education, and Otterbein makes a 21st century education affordable for them. Once here, we provide extensive support to ensure they are successful in their transitions to college and their academic careers,” said Jefferson Blackburn-Smith, vice president for enrollment management.

Learn more about the Otterbein Honoring Service Scholarship or admissions for veteran students to Otterbein.

Learn more about Central Ohio’s chapter of Folds of Honor at CentralOhio.FoldsofHonor.org.