The Community of Appalachian Student Leaders (CASL) is a student organization that aims to connect and engage students from the Appalachian region with fellow Appalachian students at The Ohio State University, while working towards developing academic, professional, and leadership skills. Learn more about the group here.

CASL will once again be helping award the Patricia Cunningham Scholarship. This fund is designated to provide scholarship opportunities to undergraduate students from Appalachian counties in honor of Dr. Patricia Cunningham, WGSS alumna, to further her pledge of increasing access to higher education for underrepresented students. Dr. Cunningham was a three-time graduate of Ohio State University and received her Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies in 2002 going on to receive her doctorate in Education Policy and Leadership in 2011. She was the founder of the Appalachian Project Ohio which focused on pathways to education for Ohio State’s Appalachian students. Dr. Patty dedicated her time, resources, and soul to serving underrepresented students both on and off-campus. She tirelessly worked to break down barriers for students to obtain a college education and pursue their endeavors beyond.

A scholarship of up to $1,500 will be awarded for the 2020-2021 academic year. Applications will be reviewed based on academic merit and commitment to student leadership.

Undergraduate students from the Appalachian region in any Arts and Sciences major are encouraged to apply by March 31, 2021. Students must be enrolled full-time during the 2021-2022 academic year to be eligible. Apply here.