Choose Ohio First Grant Program

The Choose Ohio First program is administered by the Ohio Department of Higher Education as the state’s primary STEM scholarship initiative. The program is designed to strengthen Ohio’s workforce pipeline by increasing the number of students pursuing and completing degrees and credentials in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, as well as increasing the number of qualified STEM educators. The initiative reflects a broader statewide economic strategy to align higher education outputs with workforce demands and to ensure that graduates are prepared for high-need, high-wage occupations within Ohio. Funding through this Request for Proposals will be awarded to eligible institutions of higher education to support student scholarships. The program operates under a performance-based funding model, meaning that institutions are expected to demonstrate measurable increases in enrollment and completion of STEM programs. The Ohio Department of Higher Education evaluates applications based on prior institutional performance, projected growth in STEM enrollment, and alignment with workforce needs. Institutions must commit to expanding student participation and success in eligible STEM disciplines identified through specific CIP codes. The total funding available for this cycle is up to 31 million dollars, distributed across selected institutions over a four-year program period running from May 1, 2027 through June 30, 2031. Funds are strictly limited to student scholarships and may be used for tuition, general fees, lab fees, book vouchers, and meal plans. Administrative costs are explicitly prohibited. Scholarship amounts are governed by statutory minimums and maximums, with minimum awards set at 1500 dollars annually for degree-seeking students and 500 dollars for certificate-seeking students, and maximum awards tied to statewide tuition benchmarks. Eligibility for applicants is limited to Ohio’s public universities and colleges as well as independent nonprofit four-year institutions. Each institution may serve as the lead applicant on only one proposal, although collaboration with other institutions is encouraged. Student eligibility requires Ohio residency, enrollment in an eligible STEM program aligned with approved CIP codes, and status as a new entrant to the program of study. Both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as certificate seekers, may receive scholarships if they meet institutional criteria. Applications must be submitted through the Ohio Department of Higher Education RFP portal and include three required components: an executive summary, a completed Excel application form with multiple required tabs, and a compiled PDF submission. The proposal narrative must address multiple evaluation criteria including program rationale, recruitment strategy, student support systems, work-based learning integration, academic program quality, and alignment with regional economic needs. Proposals are scored on a 100-point scale, with the highest weight given to work-based learning and academic program quality. A defining requirement of the program is the inclusion of work-based learning opportunities for all scholarship recipients. Institutions must ensure that students participate in internships, co-ops, research experiences, or similar activities that support employment in Ohio. Additional consideration is given to proposals that demonstrate strong connections to Ohio employers, align with JobsOhio target sectors, and include documented employer partnerships. This emphasis reinforces the program’s goal of retaining talent within the state and supporting economic development. The application timeline begins with the release of the RFP on December 17, followed by proposal submission deadlines in early March. Applications are reviewed beginning immediately after the deadline, with awards expected to be announced in summer 2026. The program is expected to recur as part of ongoing state workforce investment strategies, although future funding remains subject to legislative appropriations and performance outcomes.

Emphasize strong work-based learning integration with documented employer partnerships; align proposal with JobsOhio target sectors and regional workforce needs; demonstrate measurable enrollment and completion growth; provide strong evidence of past performance and capacity to execute