CAMBRIDGE, Ohio (AVC News) — The Cambridge-Guernsey Community Improvement Corporation is launching a new reverse scholarship program designed to encourage young adults to stay in or relocate to Guernsey County.
The Guernsey Impact Initiative will pay up to $20,000 in student loan debt over four years for selected participants who live and work in Guernsey County.
The program is intended to address population decline and two challenges identified in the county’s updated strategic plan: youth retention and attraction and housing.
To qualify, applicants who already live and work in Guernsey County must have earned their degree within the past three years. Those planning to relocate to the county must have earned their degree within the past seven years and, if selected, must commit to relocating to Guernsey County within 90 days.
CIC Development Specialist Andrea Jackson said local students have expressed an interest in remaining in Guernsey County, but financial considerations can influence their decisions.
The program is modeled after the Make Muskingum Home Program, which has supported more than 50 participants in recent years.
Pre-applications are currently available at makeguernseymyhome.com. Applications will be accepted Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, 2026, with the first four participants expected to be announced before the end of the year.
Last Updated on September 15, 2026 by AVC News
