Scholarship Process & Info

The Persian American Culture Society of Cincinnati offers two types of scholarships on a yearly basis through the Online Application Portal. Eligible candidates are chosen from the same pool of applicants for both scholarships. Permanent residents, US citizens, work visas, and dependents of board and scholarship committee members are not eligible.
1) The Ehteshami Scholarship through University of Cincinnati is awarded to matriculated University of Cincinnati Engineering students.
2) Omid Scholarship funded by the community donations through PACS, is awarded to students from all Tri-state universities.
The process is conducted in two main steps:
1. Identify the Engineering candidate from the pool of Engineering students and make a recommendation to University of Cincinnati for the Ehteshami Scholarship.
2. Return to the remaining pool of candidates and select 5-10 students for Omid Scholarship.
We have an independent and dedicated scholarship committee, made up of university professors and professionals that help with the process of selecting the students qualified for the scholarships. This selection mainly is based on academic performance and financial need.
Incomplete applications will not be processed.  PACS on behalf of the diverse community of the Tristate is proud to be able to support the efforts of the deserving students in the Tristate area.

About Us

Our mission is to build a vibrant network of individuals and ideas, fostering a strong, supportive community. Dedicated to preserving and promoting Iranian culture, we strive to provide valuable resources and meet the evolving needs of the Iranian and Iranian-American community in the Tri-State area.
Through cultural programs, educational initiatives, and community-driven resources, we aim to preserve and promote Iranian heritage while empowering the next generation. We are committed to addressing the evolving needs of our community by providing scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and platforms for professional and personal growth. By fostering unity and cultural pride, we strive to create a lasting impact that celebrates our rich traditions and supports the aspirations of Iranian Americans today and for generations to come.

Scholarship Details and Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Academic Requirements: Must be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited college, or university.
• Financial Need: Priority is given to students demonstrating financial need. Applicants may be required to submit proof of financial need.
• Residency: Applicants must reside in the Tri-State area (Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Southeast Indiana)

Scholarship benefits (amount, duration, renewal policy).

• Amount: Award amounts range from $5000 for the Ehteshami Scholarship-one awarded annually, to $1000-2000 for the Omid Scholarship-several awarded annually, depending on available funds and applicant qualifications.
• Duration: Scholarships are awarded for one academic year.
• Renewal Policy: Recipients may reapply annually, provided they maintain academic performance and financial need.

Application timeline (opening and closing dates, review process).

• Opening Date: Applications open on July 2, 2025.
• Deadline: Submissions must be completed by July 15, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Review Process: Applications are reviewed by a scholarship committee. Finalists may be required to submit additional materials.
• Award Notification: Selected recipients will be notified by August 15, 2025, and funds will be disbursed directly.

Selection criteria and process

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

• Academic Excellence: GPA, test scores, and coursework rigor.
• Financial Need: Based on submitted financial statements or documents.
• CV/Resume: Demonstrates aspirations, achievements, and cultural/community involvement and financial need.

Application

• Online application form (with file upload for documents). Please submit only pdf files.
• Contact details for application or technical support-Saeed Namyar
  namyar@gmail.com
• Contact details for application qualifications-Kathy Tehrani
  kathytehrani@hotmail.com