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PARKERSBURG -- A scholarship for local students who are or will be within the calendar year full-time students at an accredited college or university studying for a degree that relates to working with individuals with cognitive or intellectual disabilities is being offered by The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley.
Recipients must have graduated from a high school in Wood, Wirt, Jackson, Pleasants or Ritchie counties in West Virginia or in Washington County in Ohio.
Scholarships will be available of up to $2,000. The application deadline is June 1 and an online application is available at http://thearcmov.org.
"We take pride in backing students who have devoted themselves to assisting individuals of all abilities within our community," Michelle Curtis, executive director of The Arc, said.
The scholarship will offer financial support to students pursuing further education in fields related to disability services, Curtis said.
"Given the substantial demand in West Virginia and the surrounding region, this scholarship can empower students studying areas like special education, physical therapy, speech and language pathology, social work and occupational therapy," she said.
The Arc's goal is to support individuals with developmental disabilities at all stages of life to reach their full potential.
"We want to encourage all local high school and college students to apply and allow us to make an investment in their education," Curtis said. "People with disabilities need well-educated advocates, teachers, and service providers who understand their unique needs and will both listen to them and support them in reaching their goals."
The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley meets the needs of our youngest residents and their families through the West Virginia Birth to Three Program.
It also supports individuals with varying abilities so they can work or learn vocational skills at two Arc Thrift Shops at 904 Broadway Ave. and 1915 Dudley Ave. and at The People First Cafe. The Arc provides meeting rooms for training, education, socialization, advocacy and support services, life skills, healthy eating, transition from high school to adulthood and living more independently.