Make Muskingum Home Offers Student Debt Relief

ZANESVILLE, OH – Twelve young professionals are putting down roots in Muskingum County, with a little help along the way.

The Muskingum County Community Foundation, in partnership with the J.W. and M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation, awarded 12 recipients earlier this year though its Make Muskingum Home program. The program offers eligible recipients up to $50,000 in student debt relief, in exchange for committing to live, work, and engage in Muskingum County while building their careers.

“Our 2026 class was officially announced in January. We do that right after the first of the year. And those were great announcements. We had 12 excellent recipients this year and they go anywhere from all the way over in New Concord to the Tri Valley district. We covered a huge area in the county this year and we had some amazing recipients.” Beth Fox, MCCF Program Director, said.

Applications for the next make Muskingum Home cycle open on September 15th, giving more young professionals a chance to turn Muskingum County into more than a place to work, but a place to call home.

“It’s about a 6-week opening. It’s not as easy as people tend to think it is. I really cannot stress to anyone who’s looking to apply, to start working on it early. You can call if you have questions. This is such a huge program, $50,000 off of student debt. In this time and place, it’s so well needed. ” Fox said.

Applications will remain open through October 31st. You can apply by visit the Make Muskingum Home Website. Make Muskingum Home – Ohio

This year’s recipients:

Elizabeth Bennett, Mackenzie Bice, Jenna Burkhart, Charles (CJ) Hall, Makayla Hall, Krae Merryman, Samantha Moore, Kilie Pletcher, Samantha Ramsey, Jeff Shaffer, Olivia Simon, Roman Staley.