The Linmoor-Otterbein Scholars Program originated as a partnership between Linmoor Middle School, located in the Columbus neighborhood of South Linden, and Otterbein College during the fall of 1990. The program seeks to enable selected, at-risk Linmoor Middle School students to attend Otterbein. The mentorship program serves youths, most of whom are African-American, who have the ability to attend college, but who, because of social and economic conditions, are not likely to begin college or perhaps without intervention, would not finish high school.
Throughout the course of the program, participating scholars and Otterbein students are paired according to similar interests to develop their talents both academically and artistically. During the academic year and a week-long summer camp, the scholars meet with professionals from the community, discuss their studies, go on field trips and attend campus events. Scholars are also encouraged to interact with their mentors on a weekly basis to build stronger relationships.
In one academic session, scholars designed model hang gliders, worked through problem solving exercises and researched and wrote about prominent men and women whose accomplishments changed our lives. Other sessions have focused on proficiency test tutoring and homework assignments as needed.
Throughout the scholars’ journey, the Otterbein mentors also share their own academic experiences with the students as a way to guide them toward success and to answer their questions about college life. Upon graduation from high school, the Linmoor-Otterbein scholars who maintain solid grades in college preparatory courses are encouraged to enroll at Otterbein. The scholars are provided with grants and scholarships for tuition not covered by federal financial aid. Students are only responsible for costs associated with room, board and various lab fees. In its earliest stages, the program committee selected twelve South Linden seventh graders annually and prepared them for college over the next several years. During a five-year time span, more than 65 students were served. In 1996, the first group of scholars entered college.
Today, the Linmoor-Otterbein Scholars Program focuses on building mentoring relationships with students beginning in the tenth grade from area high schools. Thirteen Otterbein mentors currently work with 27 students from the Columbus Public Schools District and one from Pickerington City Schools. A total of six high schools are represented in the program.
Otterbein school partnerships web site: http://www.westerville.k12.oh.us/north/goal2000/
