New Choose Ohio First Scholarships Will Strengthen Ohio’s STEM Workforce

COLUMBUS, OH - New scholarships funded through the Choose Ohio First (COF) program will boost Ohio's efforts to strengthen the state's workforce in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The scholarship will support students pursuing STEM degrees and certificates and students pursuing education degrees and certificates with a STEM focus. The scholarship was announced by Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey after the award total of $32,477,779 - to be awarded over the next five years - was approved by the State Controlling Board.

"As Ohio continues to attract new businesses and advance innovation, it's more critical than ever that we invest in keeping our talented students right here in the Buckeye State," Lt. Governor Husted said. "The Choose Ohio First program strengthens our commitment to preparing students for in-demand careers while ensuring that Ohio's workforce remains competitive, dynamic, and ready to meet the needs of our growing economy."

This new funding marks the sixth round of grants for the Choose Ohio First program under the DeWine-Husted administration. It will create new scholarship opportunities at 46 colleges and universities across the state, including several schools that are new to the program.

"The Choose Ohio First program continues to grow and thrive under the DeWine-Husted Administration," Chancellor Duffey said. "The participation of more schools is a testament to the value of the program in preparing students for successful careers in high-demand fields."

The Choose Ohio First scholarship program began in 2008 in an effort 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. ODHE is also promoting the use of COF funds to assist students to obtain degrees and certificates in STEM areas, including STEM teacher education.

Community colleges, independent four-year colleges and universities, and public four-year universities are receiving funds. Chancellor Duffey said the diversity of school participation demonstrates the commitment of Ohio's higher education institutions to respond to student interests and the state's economic needs. 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.