MACC Announces New Scholarship Program

MARIETTA, OH — The Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) is announcing the launch of a new scholarship program designed to create and retain a skilled workforce for our local businesses. They are looking for scholarship applicants for awards starting in the 2022 Spring Semester. “Supporting education in our region is an important goal of the Chamber,” said Kelsy Eaton, President & CEO of MACC. “Our business community has a need for qualified workers and that process begins in education.”

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The funding for this scholarship is produced by the Marietta Bucks Program, which is facilitated by the Chamber. The scholarships will be used to help students from Washington and Wood Counties that want to remain in the area and either learn a trade or earn a degree through the Washington County Career Center, Washington State Community College, or Marietta College. The primary goal of this scholarship program is to help students break the cycle of poverty, raise their standard of living, and to contribute to the betterment of the community and our economy. Dr. Ruud, President of Marietta College, noted "The entire Mid-Ohio Valley benefits from this exciting new program. Historically, investing in our youth and in their education has had a long-term positive impact on their future, which in turn improves the entire community. At Marietta College, we enroll many first-generation students who are not always prepared for the financial obligations associated with earning a degree. Because of organizations like the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce and our local business community, the creation of this scholarship program is going to assist individuals who may not have been able to go to college with a life-altering opportunity."

The Chamber initially contributed $100,000 to the scholarship fund, with more money to come from Marietta Bucks expirations in the future. According to Dr. Tony Huffman, Director of the Washington County Career Center, “This new scholarship program sponsored by MACC is an ideal way to address expiring Marietta Bucks, whose original intent was to promote local business through the purchase of goods and services. Through scholarships, however, we’ll be supporting the businesses through delivering talent instead of the purchase of goods and services. Thank you to the Chamber board for having the vision to make this happen. Many MOV residents and local businesses will benefit from this new scholarship.

Dr. Vicky Wood, President of Washington State Community College, added that “Investing in people is the most effective way to improve our community. At Washington State Community College, we’ve witnessed countless students who have changed the trajectory of their lives after they earn a college degree. Greater still are the far-reaching effects a college degree has on impacting families, as it stops the cycle of poverty and inspires future generations to also choose to pursue higher education.”

Applications for the first cycle of awards will be accepted until October 29th. Interested students should go to www.mariettachamber.com/scholarship-program/ to learn more and to access the application. Applications will be accepted via mail, fax and email:

Mailing Address:
Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce
100 Front Street, Suite 200
Marietta, OH 45750
Fax: 740-538-5151

Email: info@mariettachamber.com

Please contact info@mariettachamber.com or call 740-373-5176 for more information.

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This news release was written by Kelsey Eaton. Any opinions expresses within are the author's own.

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