Grace College is pleased to announce two 2023 full-tuition President’s Scholarship recipients: Joseph Gichuru of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Carina Olson of Pataskala, Ohio.
Presidential Scholarship Days, an annual competition for high-achieving high school seniors, awards more than $2 million in scholarships. These days are one facet of the robust financial aid program at Grace College which provides institutional financial aid to 100% of its students. This year, the scholarship days transpired on four different days throughout the year, and two full-tuition scholarships were awarded overall.
For Gichuru, receiving the full-tuition scholarship was validation that Grace College was the right choice for him.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity I have to come to Grace,” said Gichuru. “I believe this scholarship was a confirmation from God that this is the next step for my life.”
Gichuru will study business management in Grace College’s School of Business and will concurrently earn his master of nonprofit management degree online through Grace’s accelerated bachelor’s and master’s program. Through the program, Gichuru will be able to earn both degrees in four years.
After he graduates, Gichuru has big plans for his life. “My dream is to become a leader of a nonprofit organization specializing in helping troubled kids by giving them a healthy environment to learn, grow and heal,” said Gichuru.
Similarly, Olson plans to use her education to serve others. She will double major in elementary education and special education.
“I’ve always enjoyed being around kids, but I didn’t consider education as a career until July, when I was offered a position at a Christian preschool,” said Olson. “While working there, I realized that I get so much joy from facilitating kids’ learning and watching them grow, especially when I get to talk to them about Jesus!”
Olson hopes to eventually become an intervention specialist who is equipped to pour into all learners. She looks forward to being trained by professors in the School of Education.
“I’m so excited to see what God will do in and through me as a student at Grace College and beyond,” said Olson.
Presidential Scholarship Days are for students who meet two or more of the following criteria: 3.75 GPA, top 20% class rank and 1230 SAT or 26 ACT. Larger scholarships range from $15,000 per year to full-tuition, and all attendees receive a minimum of $1,000 per year added to their generous merit scholarships.
This year’s 280 competing scholars came from 21 states and four foreign countries, including Honduras, Albania, Germany and Nigeria. Their average high school GPA was a 3.94.
The event schedule kicked off with an optional lunch and campus tour. The scholars then attended a student life panel before participating in 15-minute interviews with Grace College faculty and staff. The day wrapped up with academic group meetings.
For more information about financial aid and scholarships available at Grace College, visit www.grace.edu/admissions, call 866-974-7223 or email admissions@grace.edu.
