Ohio National Guard expands scholarship program to include trade certifications; introduces ‘Bucks for Buckeyes’ recruitment incentive
The Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program has been expanded to cover trade credentialing assistance, as well as covering courses leading to a two-year or four-year college degree.
"Every Ohioan deserves the opportunity to reach their God-given potential,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “This expansion will provide more options for Soldiers and Airmen to learn new skills to continue advancing and meeting their career goals.”
Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program Expansion
Ohio National Guard members who are interested in earning a trade certification or licensure, such as becoming a welder, personal trainer, EMT, crane operator, private pilot or another trade, can get their training costs covered through the expanded Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program.
“The scholarship program expansion allows Soldiers and Airmen to develop in-demand, marketable skills that will help them find high-paying civilian jobs,” said Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted.
The expansion of the scholarship program allows soldiers and airmen to develop trade skills not necessarily aligned to their military occupational specialty. There are currently 119 programs being offered at 395 schools across Ohio and more are being added.
“Service in the Ohio National Guard has long provided a pathway to career and education advancement for the men and women who serve their state and communities in uniform on a part-time basis,” said Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general. “The expansion of the Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program will enable us to help more Soldiers and Airmen prepare for careers during and after their military service.”
Learn more about the Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program at: https://ong.ohio.gov/members/ong/education/index.html.
Bucks for Buckeyes recruit referral program
In addition, the Ohio National Guard has a new recruitment incentive program, “Bucks for Buckeyes,” which allows any current or retired Ohio National Guard member or current state employee of the Ohio Adjutant General’s Department to receive $2,000 for each recruit referral who enlists and reports for initial training under this program, if the recruit had no prior communication with a recruiter.
This recruitment incentive program is funded by the State of Ohio operating budget and is available through June 2025.
More information about Bucks for Buckeyes can be found at: https://ong.ohio.gov/members/recruiting/bucks4buckeyes.