Carol Born, Gil Born create scholarships for local students

Carol Born and Gil Born have turned their lifelong passions for technology, design and education into new opportunities for local students.

The Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation announced two new annual scholarships established by the couple for the 2025–26 academic year, each providing students with $3,000 per year through graduation.

The Carol Born Scholarship Fund for Technology: The scholarship honors Carol’s “pioneering career in Greater Cincinnati’s tech industry.” After earning a psychology degree from the University of Cincinnati, she began as a keypunch operator at General Electric before joining Control Data Corporation as a programming analyst. “As one of the first women to enter the information technology field, Carol Born broke barriers and helped pave the way for future generations of women in tech,” CSF wrote in a statement. “Her scholarship will continue her legacy.”

The Gil and Carol Born Scholarship Fund for DAAP: The award celebrates Gil’s decades-long connection to UC’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning. A graduate of UC’s industrial design program and one of the early participants in its cooperative education model, Gil went on to teach at DAAP for more than 40 years, including 12 years as chair of industrial design.

“Gil mentored countless students, helping to shape the next generation of designers and architects,” CSF wrote, “and now new scholars will benefit from this financial support.”

The first recipients are attending the University of Dayton and the University of Cincinnati, respectively. The Borns also plan to create an endowment through their estate to continue the scholarships for future generations, per CSF. However, plans for future years and awards aren’t yet available.

Those interested in creating or contributing to scholarships can learn more at cincinnatischolarshipfoundation.org or email info@cincyscholarship.org for details.

“Together, Carol and Gil Born are actively supporting students pursuing higher education,” the foundation wrote.

Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation