About
The Marion G. Resch Scholarship Award
Established in 2000, The Marion G. Resch Foundation is committed to assisting and developing the Mahoning Valley’s number one resource, its Youth. The Foundation is focused on promoting education in primary and secondary schools, trade schools, and institutions of higher learning.
To achieve this end, The Marion G. Resch Foundation is engaged in two activities; namely the granting of college scholarships and supporting Early Identification Programs designed to help high school students successfully cross the bridge to higher education.
The Marion G. Resch Early Identification Award
The early identification programs are aimed toward students who are beginning middle school or high school. In the summer high school students are introduced to college via a residential campus experience exposing them to academics and enrichment activities.
When the students return to high school, their progress is monitored and they are mentored. During the year, they often return to campus to further understand the myriad of opportunities afforded by a higher education.
Partner Colleges And Universities
Financial aid is limited to students who reside in Mahoning, Trumbull, or Columbiana Counties and attend one of our partner institutions. They must have proven their ability and desire to complete high school and obtain a college education or technical training.
The selection of scholarship recipients is made by each Institution. Awards shall be “the last dollar” provided, after all other sources of financial aid have been exhausted.
Students may contact the financial aid office of any of the listed institutions to determine their eligibility for the award.
The Way We Make A Difference
The Marion G. Resch Foundation has proudly supported students in Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties for years, empowering the next generation to achieve their educational goals. Our commitment to these communities is reflected in the funding we’ve distributed to support Valley students in their academic journeys. Click here to learn how much we have contributed.
Institution Application Process
Applications are by invitation only.
MARION G. RESCH (1911-2004)
A graduate of The Rayen School and Lake Erie College, Mrs. Resch was always interested in education and the youth of the Mahoning Valley. She was a great philanthropist; who generously supported many students and educational programs at local colleges and universities.
She recognized that the youth of our valley were the lifeline to its future. By acknowledging this fact, she created her foundation to enable area youth to reach their potential and become influential leaders in the community.
Kent State University at Salem held its annual awards ceremony, where they awarded The Marion G. Resch Foundation the 2024 Friends of the Campus award, the highest honor presented annually to non-students.
The annual award recognizes community members and businesses that support increasing access to higher education in Salem and surrounding communities. The Resch Foundation and the Kent State Salem Campus have a long-standing partnership that supports the Rising Scholars program in Columbiana County.
Brad Bielski, Ph.D., interim dean and CAO of the Columbiana County campuses, presented the award to Stephanie Shaw, executive director of the Resch Foundation.
The partnership between Kent State Salem and the Resch Foundation began in 2017 when leaders of the Rising Scholars program applied for a grant. Since then, the Resch Foundation has awarded nearly $700,000 to the Kent State program.
Kent State University’s Rising Scholars Program offers first-generation college-bound students from 11 Columbiana County school districts a college access program designed to give them and their families the knowledge, rigorous academic exposure and social support they will need in order to be successful at a world-class university.
Students begin the program in seventh grade and continue through high school graduation. The goal is for every student in the Rising Scholars program to complete their chosen paths of success, whether it is college, the military, or the workforce, and ultimately reinvest their talents in their community.
“The Rising Scholars Program aligns closely with the mission and values of the Resch Foundation, making it an ideal recipient of their support,” noted Stephanie Shaw, executive director of the Resch Foundation. “As a mentorship initiative catering to at-risk students, Rising Scholars addresses key areas of concern that resonate with the foundation’s philanthropic goals. By providing guidance and resources to these underserved youth, the program empowers them to overcome challenges and pursue higher education, ultimately contributing to breaking the cycle of poverty. Resch’s financial backing not only aids in the program’s sustainability but also directly impacts the lives of these students, fostering long-term positive change within the community.”
Jessica Paull, Ph.D., is the Rising Scholars program coordinator and noted that the Resch Foundation’s support is greatly appreciated and vital to the program’s success. “The Marion G. Resch Foundation has been a key factor in the development of our program. Their generous support has unlocked new opportunities for first-generation students across Columbiana County and allows them to realize their full potential,” she said. “We’re honored to be a part of Mrs. Resch’s legacy and we will continue to do the work that would make her proud.”
2021 National Philanthropy Day
The Association of Fundraising Professionals Mahoning-Shenango Chapter, recognized seven. philanthropists during the 2021 National Philanthropy Day Award Celebration.
The 2021 Legacy Award was posthumously presented to Mrs. Marion G. Resch.
Since 2004 The Marion G. Resch Foundation has awarded over $18 million dollars to students in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties, as well as continued to support Early Identification Programs at the College of Wooster, University of Mount Union, Thiel College, and Westminster College. Mrs. Resch’s generosity and legacy is set to continue in perpetuity.