Clark State College has been selected by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) to receive $144,000 for the Choose Ohio First initiative. The funds will be used to award scholarships to students enrolled in eligible science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.
“Clark State is honored to offer a second Choose Ohio First scholarship to students,” said Melody Gast, director of admissions and career services at Clark State. “New students in our Registered Nursing, Computer Software Development, Cybersecurity, Computer Networking, Agriculture, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Medical Laboratory Technology, Emergency Medical Services, and our three bachelor's degree programs, Web Design and Development, Manufacturing Technology Management and Addiction and Integrated Treatment Studies are eligible to apply for this scholarship.”
Choose Ohio First is an initiative promoted and administered by the ODHE that provides scholarships to students in innovative academic programs in STEM fields. Choose Ohio First is part of a strategic effort to deepen Ohio’s economic strength by increasing the talent pipeline for STEM-related industries.
This new Choose Ohio First scholarship is the fourth round of grants for the program under the DeWine-Husted administration. It will create new scholarship opportunities at 44 colleges and universities across the state, including several schools that are new to the program.
Clark State will award scholarships to students desiring a certificate, associate degree, baccalaureate degree, or graduate degree in eligible STEM education fields.
The Choose Ohio First scholarships are competitive, varying in amounts starting at $1,500 to $5,200 annually.
“One of the many benefits of this scholarship is it connects students to our workforce through experiential education,” said Gast. “Students gain real-world experience while employers are creating a valuable workforce pipeline. We are excited to have another opportunity to provide this scholarship to our students and expand the eligible STEM certificate, associate, and bachelor's degree programs.”