ROI Foundation Awards Scholarships

The ROI Foundation has awarded two scholarships to Avery Iversen and 2024 Fairview High School graduate Emily Johnson.

Iversen is currently attending Minot State University and participate in the ASTEP program. Johnson will atten Williston State College in the fall and participate in the nursing program.

In 1992, the seeds for a foundation were planted, and in 1993 the ROI Foundation, Inc. grew into a reality, with a separate board of directors, which is currently headed by Colby Braun. The foundation was formed to receive, accumulate, administer and provide funds for the care and treatment of persons with intellectual disabilities in service at Richland Opportunities, Inc. (ROI).

The scholarship application says ..."In this same spirit, it is the desire of the foundation to provide a yearly scholarship in the amount of $1,500 to deserving Richland County students. This scholarship can be renewed an additional one year. Grand total of the award could be $3,000. Applications focus on community service/involvement, and a demonstrated interest pursuing post-secondary enrichment."

The scholarship began in 1998 with Jenelle Stoner (who is the current ROI executive director) of Sidney being the first recipient. At least one scholarship has been given out every year since then.