Photo Provided Martins Ferry High School students visit the University of Akron and the Akron-Summit County Public Library in November as part of the College Road Trip Project. By participating in the project, students have the opportunity to tour university campuses, talk to students and representatives, explore the surrounding area, receive ACT preparation materials, and much more. This free program is open to all college-bound Martins Ferry High School students and is being supported by a grant from the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley.

MARTINS FERRY — Martins Ferry High School is pleased to announce it has received a $5,250 grant through the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley and its Community Impact Fund.

These funds will support the College Road Trip project.

This award is the third grant that the Community Foundation has awarded to this project since it began in 2017.

The project is a series of road trips to diverse college campuses with the intent of exposing students to a variety of college options to help them make informed decisions about their futures. During a visit, students tour the campus, speak with admissions representatives and current students, view a dorm room, eat in a dining hall and ask questions. Students also receive an ACT preparation book and organizational materials to support their college pursuit efforts.

At least two trips are planned each semester. Past destinations have included the University of Akron, Walsh University, West Virginia University, Waynesburg University, Ohio University, Marietta College, Muskingum University, Ohio State University, Capital University, Denison University, Ohio Wesleyan University, Wheeling Jesuit University, West Liberty University, and Bethany College.

This semester, students will be visiting Kent State University and attending the Mini Maker Faire there in April. In May, the group will travel to West Liberty University and Bethany College.

The College Road Trip 2017 benefits MFHS college bound students, grades nine through 12, who demonstrate a sincere desire to pursue a college education. To participate, students must have taken or register to take the ACT test.

Students and parents must attend an informational meeting to learn about applying for college, seeking financial aid (FAFSA/scholarships), registering with NCAA, and taking the ACT. Students must also be enrolled in college preparatory courses through MFHS or the College Credit Plus program. The project will accept all eligible students who then may register for one or more of the offered trips. There is no cost to participate.

“Thanks to the Community Foundation, the College Road Trip 2017 is an exciting opportunity for our students to step foot on college campuses before they make decisions about pursuing a degree,” project Director Stacey Bliss said. “Since the Community Foundation began funding the program in 2017, we have visited 14 different college campuses. For many of the students, these first college visits have impacted their future plans.”

Martins Ferry High School parents who would like more information should contact Bliss at 740-633-0684 or stacey.bliss@omeresa.net at the school.

Since 1972, the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley has connected donors who care with causes that matter by making grants to organizations working to improve the quality of life in the Upper Ohio Valley.

With assets of more than $34 million, the Foundation assisted in distributing more than $2 million in grants and scholarships during 2015-16.

From strengthening community schools to assisting local arts program, from building health centers to assisting victims of natural disasters, the Community Foundation continues to enhance our region.

To learn more, visit the foundation online at www.cfov.org.