Choose Ohio First Funding for CSU, Other NEO Institutions for STEM Education

A new round of Choose Ohio First program grants will aid Northeast Ohio students in earning degrees and certificates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics—disciplines commonly referred to as STEM—creating scholarship opportunities at colleges and universities across the state, including Cleveland State University.

Program funds are being awarded to 11 Northeast Ohio colleges and universities over the next five years, with CSU receiving $839,999.94. The announcement for the funding came from the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Choose Ohio First, which began in 2008, is now in its fourth round of grant funding under the current Gov. DeWine/Lt. Gov. Husted statehouse regime in Columbus.

“We are fighting for and winning some of the largest economic development projects in the country, but we need to be able to supply companies with an educated, trained workforce,” Lt. Gov. Husted said in an announcement of the funding. “Choose Ohio First scholarships help keep our kids and grandkids right here in Ohio to further their education in STEM without racking up student loan debt.”

“The goals of the Choose Ohio First Scholarships align seamlessly with our vision for CSU’s future, including strengthening our partnerships with Greater Cleveland businesses and promoting an inclusive environment for STEM education,” said CSU President Laura J. Bloomberg, Ph.D. “Thanks to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, we can provide additional financial support to students and prepare graduates for careers in advancing, cutting-edge markets.”

Ohio’s State Controlling Board approved a total of $27,977,390 to be awarded, which will support about 3,400 students with scholarship funding, a news release stated.