PATASKALA, Ohio –The Ohio Natural Energy Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 scholarship program.

This year 50 Ohio students interested in pursuing a career in the natural gas and oil industry were selected to receive a scholarship.

Since 2007, this program has awarded 689 individual scholarships to 423 students. Students can receive the $1,000 scholarship for a total of four years upon renewal. These funds can be used to attend an accredited college, university, technical or trade school and requires the student to maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.

These students represent a broad range of career paths such as petroleum engineer, finance, equipment operator, mechanical engineer and welder. Since the scholarship program’s inception, the awardees have represented 83 of Ohio’s 88 counties.

Eastern Ohio students receiving a scholarship this year include:

¯ Andrew Leiffer, Martins Ferry High School

¯ Meagan Rutledge, Carrollton High School

¯ Zoey Carder, Zanesville, Ohio

¯ Parker Wickham, Philo High School

¯ Elijah Dimmerling, Quaker City

¯ Braden Downing, Tuscarawas Valley High School

“We are proud to play a small role in supporting these students as they embark on their future careers,” said Bruce Tague, executive director of the Ohio Natural Energy Institute and Foundation.

“For nearly 20 years this foundation has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into educating the future of the natural gas and oil industry. We look forward to continuing this investment with more students every year.”

The Ohio Natural Energy Institute is also committed to supporting teachers in their education goals. This summer, there will be two STEM & Geology Teacher Workshops.

These free events come with curriculum books that meet state and national standards and include background information and hands-on activities for teachers to take back to their classrooms.