SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY – A $5,000 grant from Oticon, Inc. has enabled Sertoma International to award $1,000 college scholarships to five outstanding students with hearing loss. Oticon, a long-time supporter of Sertoma’s educational initiatives, continues its commitment to one of the oldest civic service organizations in the U.S., which promotes civic responsibility through community service. Since 1994, the Sertoma Scholarship for the Hard of Hearing or Deaf has been the nation’s leading scholarship program for students with hearing loss. Over the years, more than 175 students have received Oticon-funded scholarships.
“At Oticon, we strive to create a better future for every child with hearing loss,” said Mike Marcinek, Vice President & GM, Government Services and Pediatrics for Oticon, Inc.
“Through our life-changing technology, we aim to empower children to reach their full potential at every stage of life, supporting their ability to excel both in and outside the classroom. Our support of the Sertoma scholarship program builds on that commitment by helping students with hearing loss acquire the education they need to achieve their goals.”
The 2024 scholarship recipients are:
- Delaney Fitzgerald (Ohio State University)
- Leah Morgenthal (Rochester Institute of Technology)
- Allison Pank (University of Minnesota, Duluth)
- Evelyn Potts (University of California, Davis)
- Kristen Tarasenko (University of South Carolina, Columbia)
Sertoma International received more than 130 applications for this year’s scholarships from students across the country. The program is open to students with clinically significant bilateral hearing loss who are graduating from high school or are undergraduate students pursuing four-year degrees in any discipline.
“Our mission is to raise awareness about the importance of hearing health, educate the community on hearing-related issues, and improve the quality of life for those with hearing loss through education and support,” said Jason Camis, Executive Director of Sertoma International and Hearing Charities of America. “Through our Hard of Hearing and Deaf Scholarship programs, we help students overcome challenges and develop leadership and social skills to prepare for their future. We’re honored to play a part in their success.”
For more information about Oticon, Inc. visit www.Oticon.com. To learn more about Sertoma International, visit www.Sertoma.org.
Source: Oticon
