The state of Ohio has awarded Ohio Dominican University (ODU) a grant for nearly $600,000 to support students and strengthen the state’s workforce development in fields related to STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine). The five-year $588,000 Choose Ohio First grant will provide scholarship assistance to ODU students who are studying in its Computer Science, Data Science, Cyber Security, Biology, Biopsychology, Chemistry, Environmental Science and Exercise Science programs.

Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner made the announcement on Dec. 12, 2022. Ohio Dominican is one of 45 colleges and universities across the state that will collectively receive more than $28 million over the next five years to support approximately 3,400 students across the state. Over the past four years, the State of Ohio has committed more than $161 million to STEM and STEM Education scholarships.

“The success and ongoing support of the Choose Ohio First program translates to success for Ohio’s STEM students,” Gardner said. “This latest award exemplifies Ohio Dominican’s continued commitment to these critical fields of study and, more importantly, its talented STEM students in the fields of computer science, cyber security and biology, to name a few.”

“I am delighted that Ohio Dominican was again selected to receive this important grant, which will provide valuable scholarship funds to ODU students who have a passion for science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine,” ODU President Connie Gallaher said. “This aid will help to ensure students are able to clear financial barriers that may prevent them from pursuing an ODU education and realizing their professional dreams of launching a career in this rapidly expanding sector. I am grateful to Chancellor Gardner and the state of Ohio for their support of our talented students.”

About the Choose Ohio First Program
The Choose Ohio First scholarship program began in 2008 as a way to increase the number of Ohio students enrolling in and successfully completing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs at Ohio’s public and independent colleges and universities. The Ohio Department of Higher Education provides funding to Ohio’s colleges and universities to support students in innovative academic programs. Participating universities and colleges award scholarships to students desiring a certificate, associate degree, baccalaureate degree, or graduate degree in eligible STEM and STEM education fields.

About the Ohio Department of Higher Education
The Ohio Department of Higher Education is a Cabinet-level agency for the governor of the state of Ohio that oversees higher education for the state. The agency’s main responsibilities include authorizing and approving new degree programs, managing state-funded financial aid programs and developing and advocating policies to maximize higher education’s contributions to the state and its citizens.