Ohio Hidden Heroes Scholarship Program Approved by General Assembly

COLUMBUS – Legislation to give back to those that provide assistance to service-connected disabled veterans has been approved through the Ohio General Assembly Wednesday. 

The Ohio Hidden Hero Scholarship Program, sponsored by State Representatives Adam Holmes (R- Nashport) and Andrea White (R-Kettering), authorizes state higher education institutions to provide scholarship opportunities to students who are caregivers of veterans with 100% service-connected disability.

“These men and women are the primary caregivers of our nation’s service-connected disabled service members,” Holmes said.  “All while they are attempting to access higher education to achieve higher pay to provide better care. If we help veteran caregivers access that education, it will benefit both the caregiver and the veteran.”

Through the voluntary program, participating colleges and universities can offer scholarships to a family member, friend or acquaintance who provides a broad range of care and assistance for, or manages the care of a current or former military service member with a disabling physical or mental injury or illness. 

Scholarship participation is voluntary for Ohio colleges and universities, who will fund the scholarships. For each academic year, the scholarship will provide 100% coverage of all tuition and fees not paid for by other financial aid, a book stipend to purchase textbooks, assistance to ensure caregivers can transfer any college credits earned to another higher education institution and the opportunity to earn college credits based upon a caregiver’s experience.

To be eligible for the scholarship, veteran caregivers must be enrolled as a family caregiver under the “Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers” through the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs and provide care for a veteran who has a 100% service-connected disability. 

House Bill 569 will now head to the governor for further consideration.