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) is accepting applications for the 2026 LEADS! Scholarship program for Ohio and Michigan high school seniors who will graduate by Spring 2026 (by June 2026). This cycle, OMACCS is offering 147 scholarships at 16 participating career colleges across Ohio and Michigan, with total awards exceeding $255,000. Both full and partial scholarships are available. Important deadline Applications must be submitted by April 17, 2026. Please review the accompanying booklet for complete eligibility rules, application instructions, and the full list of participating colleges, programs, and course offerings. Program purpose OMACCS and its member institutions aim to expand access to career-focused higher education, helping students gain the training needed to enter the workforce in Ohio and Michigan. These scholarships support students’ career goals while helping build regional workforces and community leadership. Scholarship details - Number of awards: 147 scholarships offered across 16 career colleges (total value over $255,000). - Award types: Full scholarships, partial scholarships, or awards that cover a specified dollar amount. - Restrictions: Awards apply only to the designated program/school and are not transferable to other programs or institutions. - Funding: Scholarships are financed by member colleges and schools; no federal, state, or local tax funds are used. Fields of study (examples) Excellent post-secondary options include, but are 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 - & many more About career colleges in Ohio & Michigan - There are more than 400 licensed career colleges and schools in Ohio and Michigan offering programs in over 200 occupational areas that award degrees, diplomas, and certificates. - Ohio career colleges are licensed by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. Michigan career colleges are overseen by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). Many institutions are also approved by the U.S. Department of Education. - Numerous career colleges hold national or regional accreditation from organizations such as the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), and others. - Career college graduates represent roughly 90% of business, health, and computer program graduates—three fields among the fastest-growing occupations through 2026. About 77% of career college graduates find employment in their field within 90 days of finishing their program. - Tuition at Ohio and Michigan career colleges is, on average, lower than the average tuition at public community colleges, state universities, and many nonprofit institutions in the two states. Career colleges are privately owned and operated and do not receive state or local tax support. Sources U.S. Department of Education’s IPEDS, Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools, and Cyanna Education Services. Who is eligible? - Any current high school senior graduating from an Ohio or Michigan high school by June 2026 may apply. - Applicants must have at least a C average (no financial-need requirement). - Each candidate must be nominated by a local civic organization or a community leader. - Scholarship recipients must meet the entrance requirements of the college or school awarding the scholarship. - Applicants may submit up to three (3) separate scholarship applications, one application per scholarship. - Recipients are required to begin classes in the summer or fall term immediately following high school graduation. How to apply Refer to the provided booklet for the full list of eligibility criteria, application instructions, and participating institutions and programs. Remember: the deadline to apply is April 17, 2026.