OHIO GRAND CHAPTER EDUCATIONAL FUND

Research going back to 1978 showed this fund, established for educational purposes, had not been tapped for a large amount during that time, so Endowed Scholarships were established in 2001 at the following Universities. Ohio University in Athens, Kent State University, Miami University in Oxford and University of Toledo.

Each was established at $25,000.00 and only the interest can be used each year. Two students received $1500.00 each for two years from one of these Universities and others have been awarded various amounts from the other Universities. The Scholarships are written in the name of The Grand Chapter of Ohio, Order of the Eastern Star and can be found on the internet for any of these schools.

The criteria the Grand Trustees established are:

1.       Upper class students or graduate students (no freshman)

2.      Students from Ohio only

3.      No academic requirements or special field of study

4.      Financial need not a requirement

5.      Renewable only once

6.      Funding only for tuition or books

7.      Must be a U.S. citizen but outside activities not considered

8.     Scholarship not refundable

9.      Each University will select the recipients

Please support our Ohio Educational Fund by designating a sunshine collection or include it in your chapter budget for this fund.

As a member of the Education Committee for General Grand Chapter from Ohio, I would like to know the following:

Does your Chapter have special projects to raise funds for Scholarships?

What amount of scholarship funds are provided by your chapter and/or group in the name of Eastern Star? Please send your response to:

 Roberta David, PGM and Grand Secretary

Ohiogrsec@aol.com

ESTARL

Eastern Star Training Awards for Religious Leadership

AWARDS

A.    Awards are to be made to students preparing for leadership in various fields of religious service including: Ministers, Missionaries, Directors of Church Music, Director of Religious Education or Directors of Youth Leadership.

B.    Awards may be variable in amount and determined by the ESTARL Committee on the basis of funds available, number of applicants, ability and need of individuals.

C.    Awards are outright gifts and are made for one year.  Consideration may be given for future awards on basis of eligibility.

D.    Awards are made in the form of a certificate sent to the student.  The student is free to select the school of his or her choice which has an accredited course in the field of the various religious services.  A check in the amount of the award is sent to the school for the use of that particular student while pursuing the studies in preparation for full-time  religious service.  The money is issued primarily for tuition, but may be used for books, room, board, or medical aid.

APPLICANTS

A.    Applicants must be a resident of Ohio or be an Ohio High School graduate and have completed two (2) years in an accredited college.

B.    Awards are not to be extended to Doctoral Degrees.

C.    Applicants must be interested in dedicating their lives to FULL TIME RELIGIOUS SERVICE.  Awards will be based upon indication of scholarship, character, leadership qualities, need and evidence of self-help.

D.    Applicants need not be of Masonic or Eastern Star affiliation.

E.    Preference will be given to anyone who is already training in the religious field, and needs to continue his or her education.

F.    Eligibility will be determined entirely by the ESTARL Committee.

Procedure

A.    Any subordinate Chapter that feels it has an eligible scholarship candidate should write to the Chairperson of the ESTARL Committee, give the name of the Candidate and request proper application procedures.

B.    The student need only be sponsored by vote of the Chapter.   The sponsoring Chapter assumes no financial responsibility by this action,  however, the Chapter should have available to them the financial need of the student and some background on the student as to his or her sincerity of achieving their goal in religious leadership.  After sponsorship, the Chapter secretary should write to the ESTARL Chairperson requesting an application form.   

Subordinate Chapters and members of the Order are urged to give enthusiastic and generous support to this program.  Has your Chapter contributed recently?