NELSONVILLE — Hanna Vera, a Spanish teacher, farm assistant and dorm parent at Olney Friends School, has received a full scholarship to pursue an advanced degree through an anonymous gift to Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and a partnership with American College of Education.

Vera is part of FAO’s Growing Home Fellowship, a five-year program launched in 2023 to recruit and prepare young educators for leadership roles in their communities. She is among 15 fellows selected to receive ACE scholarships through a competitive application process.

“These scholarships will allow Hanna and others to earn doctoral degrees, principal certificates or other master’s-level credentials they otherwise might not be able to pursue while managing work and family responsibilities,” said Cara Dingus Brook, FAO president and CEO. “These young community builders are already leading in deep and meaningful ways across Appalachian Ohio. But now, they’ll be able to strengthen their skills and advance their careers and their service to their communities.”

Through the Growing Home Fellowship, FAO has invested in more than 100 emerging leaders who have chosen to grow their lives and careers in Appalachian Ohio. Fellows commit to live, work and serve in the region for at least five years. In return, they receive financial support, leadership coaching, immersive retreats, access to grant funding and a network of peers who share their commitment to their communities.

Fellows are serving in 29 of Appalachian Ohio’s 32 counties, addressing food insecurity, improving health and wellness, strengthening economic vitality, increasing access to the arts and stewarding the environment.

With her ACE scholarship, Vera is pursuing a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.

“It is a great honor to be chosen for the ACE scholarship,” she said. “This scholarship completely removes a huge financial barrier that would otherwise limit me from pursuing an advanced degree. The degree will be an incredible boost to my development as an educator and community leader in my school, county and region.”

Vera serves in partnership with Captina Conservancy, a nonprofit land trust in southern Belmont County that works to protect and preserve the Captina Creek and regional watersheds. Since 2024, she has logged more than 200 hours of service, including leading volunteer teams, coordinating event advertising, planting trees and maintaining conservation sites.

ACE, co-founded by Jackson County, Ohio, native Tom Evans, is an accredited online private college specializing in programs in education, business, health care and nursing.

“These young leaders are committed to making a difference, both inside and outside the classroom,” said ACE Chief Growth Officer Monica Carson. “We’re proud to partner with FAO to provide them with opportunities to deepen their skills in ways that will benefit their students, their families and their communities for years to come.”