When The University of Toledo introduced the UT Guarantee scholarship program last fall, its creators believed it would be enthusiastically embraced. After all, who wouldn’t be excited about a program that essentially offers high-achieving, financially challenged students a no-out-of-pocket-tuition-and-fees option to attend college? However, the response has far exceeded expectations, prompting the University to significantly expand the program across the state.

“Today, it is my pleasure to announce to you that this scholarship will be broadened to encompass all of the state’s 21 urban centers, known as the Urban 21,” President Lloyd Jacobs announced Jan. 19 during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Day Celebration in Savage Arena. “That means thousands of additional students from the most underrepresented portions of our state will be able to benefit from the UT Guarantee.”

Originally focused on Ohio’s largest cities — Toledo, Akron, Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Dayton — the offer will be extended to 15 additional areas:

• Canton;

• Cleveland Heights;

• East Cleveland;

• Elyria;

• Euclid;

• Hamilton;

• Lima;

• Lorain;

• Mansfield;

• Middletown;

• South-Western;

• Springfield;

• Trotwood-Madison;

• Warren; and

• Youngstown.

“We are thrilled to be able to expand our list of potential UT Guarantee participants,” said Lawrence J. Burns, vice president for external affairs. “When word of this scholarship program first began to circulate, we heard from a number of school districts that were looking to become partners. We believe this scholarship will not only help us attract high-quality students, but also help us improve diversity at The University of Toledo.”

To qualify, students must have a 3.0 grade point average, a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and show some level of eligibility for a Pell Grant. With the extension, applications under the UT Guarantee must be submitted by April 1.

“Programs like the guarantee are critical to our diversity efforts and mission,” Jacobs said. “This scholarship will help our recruitment efforts in areas of the state that are all too often left behind by higher education. This is tangible evidence of the University’s effort to expand access to higher education across Ohio.”

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