OMACCS LEADS! Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Ohio-Michigan Association of Career Colleges and Schools

Introduction
The Ohio-Michigan Association of Career Colleges and Schools (OMACCS) invites Ohio and Michigan high school seniors graduating by June 2026 to apply for the 2026 LEADS! Scholarship program. In partnership with 16 participating career colleges and schools, OMACCS is awarding 147 scholarships worth more than $255,000 in total. Both full and partial awards are available.

Before you apply
Please review the online materials and the Scholarship Booklet for full application instructions, eligibility details, and the list of participating colleges, programs, and courses. The Booklet contains all requirements and criteria that applicants must meet.

About the scholarships
- Number of awards: 147 scholarships across 16 Ohio and Michigan career colleges and schools.
- Total value: Over $255,000.
- Award types: Full tuition, one-half tuition, or specified dollar amounts.
- Restrictions: Awards apply only to the designated program and institution and are not transferable. Scholarship funding is provided by the member schools; no state or federal funds are used.

Fields of study represented
Opportunities are available in many career and technical programs, including (but not limited to):
AI Fundamentals; Aviation Maintenance; Aviation Technology; Business Management; Cosmetology; Dental Assisting; Early Childhood Education; Energy Technology; Google IT; Healthcare Administration; HVAC/Refrigeration; Industrial Maintenance Technician; IT/Basic Fiber; Massage Therapy; Medical Assisting; Medical Office Administration; Medical Billing & Coding; Nursing; Paramedic; Pharmacy Technician; Plumbing; Radiology; Real Estate; Robotics & Automation Technician; Surgical Technology; Veterinary Technician; Welding; and many more.

Preparing Ohio & Michigan’s workforce
- There are more than 400 licensed career colleges and schools in Ohio and Michigan offering programs in 200+ occupational fields that award degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
- Ohio career colleges are licensed by the State of Ohio and regulated by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. Michigan career colleges are overseen by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and are approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Many institutions hold national or regional accreditation (examples include the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, the Higher Learning Commission, and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools).
- Career college students represent roughly 90% of graduates in business, health, and computer-related fields—three areas projected to be among the fastest-growing through 2026.
- About 77% of career college graduates secure employment in their field within 90 days after graduation.
- On average, tuition at Ohio and Michigan career colleges is lower than the average tuition at tax-supported community colleges, state universities, and nonprofit institutions in those states.
- These colleges and schools are privately operated and do not receive federal, state, or local tax support.
Sources: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS, Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools, Cyanna Education Services.

Program goals
OMACCS and its member institutions offer these scholarships to help students obtain the training and credentials needed for immediate employment in Ohio and Michigan industries, while encouraging leadership and community engagement.

Who is eligible?
- Current high school seniors who will graduate from an Ohio or Michigan high school by June 2026.
- Applicants must have at least a C average (2.0) or better. Financial need is not a requirement.
- Each candidate must be nominated by a local civic group or a community leader.
- Scholarship recipients must meet the entrance requirements of the college or school that awards the scholarship.
- Applicants may submit applications for up to three separate scholarships but must complete a distinct application for each one.
- Recipients are required to begin classes in the summer or fall term immediately following high school graduation.

Questions or next steps
Refer to the online materials and the Scholarship Booklet for complete instructions, deadlines, and how to obtain nomination forms. If you need additional information, contact the participating institutions listed in the Booklet or OMACCS directly.