Supporting Education in Appalachian Ohio

In 1973, Ram and Sushi Gawande moved to Athens, Ohio, one of the poorest regions of the United States. Over the subsequent 40 years, they formed deep relationships with the Southeastern Ohio community and with organizations that serve the community. SESA supported projects in Ohio include:

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• I Am a Child of Appalachia Fund - providing educational programs dedicated to unleashing the potential of children in 32 counties in Appalachian Ohio.
   

• Athens Rotary project support - providing scholarships for Appalachian Ohio high school students to attend college
   

• The Rev. Dr. Francine C. Childs Social Justice Scholarship Endowment - encouraging the next generation of leaders in their dedication to the fight for equity, education, and progress as outlined in Ohio University’s African American Studies Department’s mission to offer “a distinctive program that focuses on the African American experience regionally, nationally, and globally."
   

• Collaboration with the Rural Action Environmental Education program for the installation of a solar array at their main office in The Plains, Ohio, to support their work with various educational programs that benefit the Appalachian Ohio community, by helping to reduce overhead costs and carbon impacts. 
   

• Student scholarships for children of police officers and firefighters
   

• Emergency loans to Ohio University students for books and tuition
   

• Assistance to international students at Ohio University and Hocking College
   

• Establishment of Drs. Ram and Sushila Gawande Chair in Indian Religion and Philosophy at Ohio University
   

• Project grants for collaborations between Ohio University and GSG College