Ohio Staffing Firm Opens $5,000 Leadership Scholarship

A Mansfield-based staffing company is investing in the next generation of leaders with a scholarship that puts college within reach for students who give back to their communities.

Spherion Staffing and Recruiting Mid Ohio is now accepting applications for the 2026 Sandy Mazur Excellence in Leadership Scholarship. Students can receive up to $5,000 to pursue trade school, community college, or university programs.

The scholarship honors Sandy Mazur, a former Spherion president whose career exemplified community leadership. High school seniors, current college students, and adults returning to school can all apply, as long as they maintain at least a 2.5 GPA and live in a state where Spherion operates.

This year marks the program's seventh anniversary. In 2025 alone, five students received a combined $25,000, the largest award total in the program's history.

What sets this scholarship apart is its focus on paying it forward. Applicants must share not just their achievements but also their plans to serve their communities in future careers.

The application process considers both merit and financial need. Students submit their FAFSA Student Aid Report along with examples of their community involvement, and a selection committee reviews applications anonymously to ensure fairness.

The Ripple Effect

Since its launch, this scholarship has supported 17 students across the country, creating a growing network of leaders committed to service. Each recipient represents an investment not just in one person's education but in the countless lives they'll touch through their future careers.

Mazur continues to champion the program she inspired. "It's incredibly rewarding to see students who are already making a difference in their communities take the next step in their professional journeys," she said.

The program partners with the Richland County Foundation, an Ohio nonprofit, to administer the scholarship transparently. Donations to grow the fund are welcome, ensuring even more students can access opportunities in years to come.

Applications close April 30, giving students across Ohio and beyond a chance to turn their leadership into educational opportunity.