CLEVELAND, Ohio — Ohio announced $69.8 million over the next five years as part of its Choose Ohio First scholarship program, designed to support more students going into STEMM fields, or science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.
These funds go to individual institutions, which then distribute them to students in eligible programs. Students apply for Choose Ohio First scholarships through their college or university. The fields where students are eligible vary by university, and scholarships can include support services like partnering with a faculty mentor. The programs that award these funds also look to recruit underrepresented populations into STEMM fields.
The $69.8 million will support about 3,400 new students and 3,000 students already participating in these programs. The idea is that by providing dedicated scholarship dollars to students pursuing these occupations, Ohio will be able to recruit them and develop the state’s workforce.
Of 57 colleges and universities receiving money, about 25 are new to the program this year. Choose Ohio First began in 2008.
““Choose Ohio First provides an excellent opportunity for those students who stay in Ohio and continue their education to get the skills they need to succeed in promising career fields,” Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner said in a news release. “This new scholarship exemplifies the state’s growing commitment to Choose Ohio First, and I’m pleased so many new colleges and universities are participating in the program.”
How applications for Choose Ohio First scholarships work depends on the institution, so those interested in applying should check into the process. Some require letters of recommendation, for example, and there are GPA requirements. At some schools though, like Wright State University, new students are automatically considered.
The funds are split into two awards, one for new students and one for existing students. Schools are reimbursed as students progress throughout their program.
The universities with the top award amounts are:
1. University of Akron
2. Bowling Green State University
3. Cleveland State University
4. Kent State University
5. University of Toledo
6. Ohio State University
7. Ohio Northern University
8. Wright State University
9. Case Western Reserve University
10. University of Cincinnati
The colleges or universities with the most award money going to new students are:
1. Kent State University
2. Baldwin Wallace University
3. Ohio State University
4. North Central State Community College
5. Bowling Green State University
6. Central State University
7. Case Western Reserve University
8. Cleveland State University
9. Ohio University
10. Cuyahoga Community College
