UPS grant allows foundation to give 60 scholarships

Staff report

columbus

The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges has distributed $91,800 in need-based UPS Scholarships to 60 students enrolled in its 34 member colleges and universities across the state.

The scholarships were made possible by a grant that OFIC received from the UPS Educational Endowment Fund at the Foundation for Independent Higher Education in Washington, D.C.

FIHE and the UPS Foundation partnered to provide more than $1.5 million nationally in student scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year. All of the scholarships were facilitated through grants to state-based private college associations around the country.

The UPS Educational Endowment Fund, which is held and administered by FIHE, was initiated through endowment gifts from the UPS Foundation totaling $4 million and is now valued at $35 million. Since its inception, this fund has awarded $46 million in scholarship support to more than 15,000 students nationwide.

“A college degree opens the door to countless opportunities,” said Ken Sternad, president of The UPS Foundation. “UPS takes great pride in our long-standing partnership with FIHE and in our support of thousands of students over the years who have been able to pursue an education from our nation’s private colleges.”

Ned Moore, executive director of FIHE, agreed.

“This joint UPS/FIHE scholarship program has a direct, tangible impact on the education and careers of hundreds of young men and women each year,” he said. “Because so many young men and women don’t have the financial resources to complete their college education, the UPS Scholarships are critically important.”

Ed Hartzell, chairman of the OFIC Board, said, “The education of Ohio’s citizens is critical to our economic recovery, growth and stability.” The number of Ohioans that have earned at least a bachelor’s degree must increase in order for the state to compete in a global economy that is constantly changing and ever-more-dependent upon a highly educated, skilled work force, he said.

“The UPS Foundation, through FIHE and OFIC, has provided scholarship funds for 36 years for students with financial need enrolled at OFIC member colleges and universities,” Hartzell said. “We value The UPS Foundation’s long partnership with OFIC and its commitment to providing college access for Ohio’s students.”

The Foundation for Independent Higher Education is the national partner in a network of 32 state associations, including OFIC, which develop resources for private colleges and universities. Since its founding in 1958, FIHE and its partners have received more than $1.6 billion in support for private colleges. For more information, visit www.fihe.org.

Founded in 1951 and based in Atlanta, The UPS Foundation’s major areas of focus include community safety, nonprofit effectiveness, economic and global literacy, environmental sustainability and diversity.

The UPS Foundation pursues these initiatives by identifying specific projects where its support can help produce a measurable social impact. In 2009, The UPS Foundation directed more than $98 million in philanthropy to charitable organizations worldwide. Visit community.ups.com for more information.

OFIC is the primary corporate and foundation solicitation organization for 34 independent Ohio colleges and universities and operates one of the largest, most-comprehensive and diverse scholarship programs in the state.