‘Choose Ohio First’ Scholarships To Strengthen Ohio’s STEM Workforce

(From the Ohio Department of Higher Education)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Chancellor Mike Duffey announced today that 59 institutions will be awarded funding for the latest round of Choose Ohio First (COF) scholarships, benefiting students and bolstering Ohio’s efforts to strengthen the state’s workforce in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The COF scholarship supports students pursuing STEM degrees and certificates and students pursuing education degrees and certificates with a STEM focus. This latest round of funding – totaling more than $26 million – was approved by the State Controlling Board.

The funding will provide scholarships over a four-year period beginning with the 2027-2028 academic year. The one-year gap gives institutions time to recruit students into their STEM programs.

“Ohio’s future depends on preparing more students for the careers that are shaping our economy, and that starts with giving them the chance to pursue high-demand STEM fields,” Governor DeWine said. “Choose Ohio First inspires more students to reach their full potential. It helps students discover their passion for opportunities in STEM and graduate ready to start a great career right here in Ohio.”

“Companies are bringing more STEM opportunities to Ohio because they know we’re preparing our young people with the skills and experience to succeed,” Lt. Governor Tressel said. “As a former university president, I’ve seen firsthand the difference the Choose Ohio First program can make. When students are given the right education and real-world experience, they can step confidently into meaningful careers right after graduation.”

This new funding marks the seventh round of grants for the Choose Ohio First program under the DeWine administration. Fifty-eight of the institutions will be expanding existing Choose Ohio First programs and one institution will be offering scholarships for the first time through this funding round.

“With the need for STEM talent continuing to grow, the Choose Ohio First program is more important than ever,” Chancellor Duffey said.

The Choose Ohio First scholarship program began in 2008 to increase the number of Ohio students enrolling in and successfully completing STEM programs at Ohio’s public and independent colleges and universities.

The latest COF awards are part of a focused strategy to increase enrollment and completion in STEM fields to strengthen Ohio’s talent pipeline in STEM occupations and related industries.

Community colleges, independent four-year colleges and universities, and public four-year universities are receiving funds. At the start of the application process, ODHE provided institutions with a maximum award amount that could be applied for, based on actual spending/awarding of scholarships through the COF program for the three most recent academic years.

Students who receive a COF scholarship are required to participate in a work-based learning opportunity such as a STEM internship, co-op, or research to help them transition effectively to the STEM workforce after graduation.