Funder: Ohio Department of Higher Education
Due Dates: October 21, 2026, 2:00 p.m. (Public meeting) | November 2026 (Award notification)
Funding Amounts: Up to $26.1 million total; four-year program period, May 1, 2028–June 30, 2032
Summary: Funds institutional STEM scholarship programs that increase enrollment, completion, work-based learning, and Ohio workforce participation.
Key Information: Institutions must provide a 1:1 match and ensure every scholarship recipient participates in work-based learning.
Description
Choose Ohio First is Ohio’s signature STEM scholarship program, administered by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE). The FY27 funding round supports institutions committed to increasing enrollment and completion in STEM degrees and credentials, while expanding the number of qualified STEM teachers at the K–12 and collegiate levels. Institutions design programs combining scholarships, recruitment, student support, and meaningful work-based learning that prepares graduates for permanent employment in Ohio.
Additional consideration goes to proposals integrated with regional economic strengths, aligned with JobsOhio’s target sectors, or connecting students with Ohio employers filling critical jobs or offering strong wages. Programs identified by JobsOhio or the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation also receive additional consideration. This is a separate funding round from prior Choose Ohio First awards.
