Investing in Appalachian Entrepreneurs
The Appalachian Marketing & Media Scholarship
We believe the future of our community lies in the hands of young entrepreneurs who refuse to leave home to chase their dreams. That's why we've partnered with the Scioto Foundation to create a scholarship that supports the next generation of Appalachian business leaders.
Our Story Behind the Scholarship
It all started with a simple truth: we are who we are today because of the support we received along the way.
Audrey, our founder, was herself a Scioto Foundation scholarship recipient while pursuing her marketing degree at Shawnee State University. That support didn't just help her afford college – it helped launch a vision that would become the region's only full-service marketing company.
Now, as we've grown to serve 200+ clients and employ 12+ local professionals, we know it's time to pay it forward. We wanted to create something meaningful – a scholarship that doesn't just provide financial support, but invests in students who share our belief that you can build something extraordinary without leaving your roots behind.
About the Scholarship
Who We Support:
Our Investment
Graduates of Scioto County high schools
Students attending Shawnee State University
Business majors (with preference given to marketing students)
Students maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher
This isn't just about money – it's about investing in minds that think like entrepreneurs, students who see opportunity where others see obstacles, and young people who believe our community deserves businesses that truly understand local values.
Why This Matters
"We believe that entrepreneurship and business are essential to the growth and success of our community," say Ryan and Audrey Schiesser, the scholarship's founders. "We wanted to create a scholarship that could help support students who are interested in pursuing these fields and help inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs in our community."
When you support local students, you're not just changing individual lives, you're building a community where the best and brightest choose to stay, grow, and create opportunities for others.
The Bigger Picture
This scholarship is part of our larger community commitment that includes:
Real-world experience through our internship program for local college students
Employment opportunities for Shawnee State University graduates (we've hired seven so far)
Economic impact by keeping every marketing dollar in our local economy
Mentorship through our involvement with the Kricker Innovation Hub and local leadership organizations
How Local Students Can Apply
Ready to pursue your business dreams while staying rooted in Appalachia? The Scioto Foundation's volunteer scholarship committee handles all applications and selections on our behalf.
To learn more about eligibility requirements and application deadlines, or to begin your application process contact the Scioto Foundation:
Phone: (740)354-4612
Email: info@thesciotofoundation.org
Address: 303 Chillicothe Street, P.O. 911,
Portsmouth, OH 45662
Community members, family, and friends can contribute to the Appalachian Marketing and Media Scholarship Fund at any time. Donations may be made in the form of cash, securities, or property.
Together, we can ensure that the next great Appalachian business story starts right here at home.
Contact the Scioto Foundation at (740) 354-4612 to learn about contributing to this scholarship fund.
Want to Support Future Entrepreneurs?
Questions About Our Scholarship?
While all applications must go through the Scioto Foundation, we're happy to answer questions about our vision for this scholarship and how it fits into our broader community commitment.
Reach out to us:
- Phone: 740-672-5069
- Email: contact@appmktmedia.com
Because the best investments we can make are in the people who choose to build their dreams in the place they call home.
