An Insider’s Guide to Applying for the Jon Peterson Scholarship
As a parent or caregiver of a child with special needs, navigating the education system can be challenging. Added to this is the financial burden of providing for your child’s special needs. The Jon Peterson Scholarship Program is an initiative that aims to address this burden by providing financial aid to families of students with special needs. This article serves as a guide to help families understand the program better and navigate the application process with ease.
Understanding the Jon Peterson Scholarship Program
The Jon Peterson Scholarship Program is a program offered by the Ohio Department of Education that provides financial aid to families of students with special needs. This program is open to any Ohio resident students with disabilities who are between the ages of 3 and 22 years old and are enrolled in a participating school district or an Ohio Department of Education-approved provider. The program is named after Jon Peterson, who served as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 2009 until his death in 2016. Peterson was a strong advocate for education and children with special needs.
Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship
To be eligible for the Jon Peterson Scholarship Program, the student must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) issued by the school district or an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) issued by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. The student must also meet one of the following criteria:
- Has been identified as having a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Has been identified by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
- Has been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Applying for the Scholarship
To apply for the Jon Peterson Scholarship Program, the parent or caregiver must complete an application form, which is available on the Ohio Department of Education website. The application requires information about the student’s disability, current school placement, and any additional services or support the student receives. The application deadline is usually at the end of April each year.
Amount of Scholarship and Usage
The amount of scholarship provided by the program varies on the basis of the student’s disability and other factors such as the type of school or service provider the student is enrolled in. The scholarship can be used to pay for various services, including private school tuition, educational materials, therapies, and other services that are not typically covered by schools or insurance. It is essential to note that the scholarship money can only be used for educational-related expenses.
Renewal of the Scholarship
The scholarship is renewable annually based on the availability of funds and the student’s continued eligibility and enrollment in an approved provider or school district. The parent or caregiver must complete the renewal application form, which is also available on the Ohio Department of Education website.
In Conclusion
The Jon Peterson Scholarship Program provides immense support for families of students with special needs by providing financial aid for various educational-related expenses. This article aimed to provide a helpful guide for families to navigate the application process with ease. The eligibility criteria, application process, amount of scholarship, usage, and renewal of the scholarship have been discussed in detail to help families make informed decisions regarding their child’s education and well-being.
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